Dr. Zepeng Yao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, was awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant to study the neural circuits linking food sensory detection to endocrine and feeding control using a fruit fly model. The project aims to investigate the neural circuit mechanisms that integrate external and internal food sensory signals to regulate feeding behavior and feeding-related endocrine function. Compromised function of these mechanisms may contribute to endocrine dysfunction, eating disorders, and body weight changes including obesity, which collectively afflict a large proportion of the United States population. Congratulations Zepeng!
To learn more about Dr. Yao’s research, please visit https://www.yao-lab.com/.
