Michael A. Crickmore

Molecular control of temporal integration matches decision-making to motivational state

The paper shows that dopamine signaling modulates the temporal integration of information in Drosophila copulation decision neurons, influencing the likelihood of behavioral switches during mating.

Local desensitization to dopamine devalues recurring behavior

The paper shows that prior matings in Drosophila reduce dopamine reception in Copulation Decision Neurons, leading to decreased likelihood of future copulations.

Hormonal control of motivational circuitry orchestrates the transition to sexuality in Drosophila

This study shows that juvenile hormone suppresses sexual motivation in young male Drosophila, and its decline allows the activation of latent courtship circuits.

Biochemical computation underlying behavioral decision-making

The paper shows that male flies use biochemical computations involving PKA activity and calcium influx to make life-or-death mating decisions over minutes to hours.

Behavioural choice emerges from nonlinear all-to-all interactions between drives

The paper shows that nonlinear interactions among all competing drives buffer dominant behaviors, validated through experiments on Drosophila.