AI System YORU Enables Real-Time Control of Fruit Fly Courtship Behavior

Researchers from Nagoya University, in collaboration with Osaka University and Tohoku University, have developed an AI system named YORU that enables real-time control of animal behavior by targeting specific neurons. YORU identifies animal behaviors with over 90% accuracy and uses optogenetics to manipulate corresponding brain circuits instantaneously. The system was demonstrated to detect and interrupt fruit fly courtship songs by targeting the relevant neurons in real time. This advancement enhances the study of social interactions across various animal species by allowing precise and immediate intervention in brain activity related to observed behaviors. The development took place at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Osaka University in Osaka, and Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. This represents a significant step forward in neuroscience research, providing a novel AI-driven tool for understanding and controlling animal behavior through neural targeting.