From Lab to Clinic and Farm: Leveraging Drosophila Feeding Studies to Combat Eating Disorders and Pest Challenges

Drosophila melanogaster has been a cornerstone of biological research, offering critical insights into genetics, neurobiology, and disease modelling. This review examines Drosophila feeding research, including the diverse assays available to study feeding behaviour, and explores its biomedical and entomological applications. We highlight studies that have advanced our understanding of human feeding and eating disorders, vector-borne infectious diseases, and agricultural pest control. In clinical applications, we discuss a two-pronged approach: using Drosophila to model human feeding and eating disorders, as well as to study insect vectors that contribute to human disease transmission. We explore how feeding studies in Drosophila provide valuable insights into energy homeostasis, metabolic regulation, pathogen-host interactions, and vector biology. Beyond clinical relevance, the entomological applications of Drosophila feeding research extend to sustainable pest management and insecticide resistance. Finally, we identify gaps in current research and suggest promising directions for further exploration. By leveraging the genetic and behavioural tools available in this model, researchers can continue to uncover conserved mechanisms with broad implications for human health, disease control, and agricultural sustainability.