Published Paper Details:

D.malerkotliana, like other Drosophila species, is a powerful model organism widely used to investigate conserved molecular pathways relevant to human conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease thanks to high genetic conservation and versatile genetic tool. This study evaluates the effects of 50 Hz LF-EMF exposure on a spectrum of behavioural traits in D. malerkotliana, including larval crawling, adult locomotion, climbing, courtship behaviour, and aggression. Flies were subjected to LF-EMF exposure administered via a Holzmolt coil for both short- and long-term time frames. Behavioural metrics were recorded using established methods, including larval crawling grid tracking, the Rapid Iterative Negative Geotaxis (RING) climbing assay, and time-based interaction assays for courtship and aggression. LF-EMF exposure induced significant, exposure duration dependent reductions in larval crawling and adult climbing ability, with male flies exhibiting heightened sensitivity. Courtship behaviours declined progressively with prolonged exposure, suggesting reproductive disruption, while aggression displayed an initial surge (particularly in males) followed by a decline, possibly due to neuromodulator depletion. Collectively, these findings suggest that LF-EMF exposure impairs neural and behavioural function in D. malerkotliana, potentially through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and sex-specific resilience differences. These results underscore the value of D. malerkotliana as a model for assessing EMF-induced neurobehavioral toxicity and environmental stress responses.