Motivation to work for amino acids requires acute dopaminergic activity.
Perham M Black, Kelcey T Stapleton, Geanette Lam, Aylin R. Rodan, Adrian Rothenfluh
The paper introduces a new assay, FLAME, to measure motivation in Drosophila by assessing willingness to overcome agarose barriers for nutrients, showing dopamine neuron activity is required for amino acid seeking.
bioRxiv · Oct 19, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience