Inka Busack

This study shows that the RIS neuron in C. elegans can enhance survival even when sleep behavior is disrupted, suggesting survival and sleep are separable functions of sleep neurons.

The paper introduces OptoGenBox, a device for long-term optogenetic manipulation of C. elegans, showing it reduces survival when increasing arousal or sleep deprivation.

The paper identifies wake-active neurons that depolarize sleep-active neurons to initiate sleep in C. elegans by coordinating locomotion circuits during lethargus.