Programmable Behavior via Gene Swap

Researchers reportedly induced expression of a specific gene in Drosophila melanogaster that reshaped a brain area and caused it to exhibit a courtship behavior from another species (D. subobscura). This amounts to a 'behavior transplant' across species, showing a genetic switch can reconfigure neural circuits to drive complex, species‑typical actions. It moves beyond single‑gene reflexes toward modular control of social behavior. — If complex behaviors can be engineered by targeted gene expression, debates over free will, nature versus nurture, mental health, and biosecurity must account for the practical programmability of behavior.