Bugged Out by Bad Air: Investigating how PM2.5 exposure duration affects locomotion and fertility in D. Melanogaster

Air pollution is an ongoing public health threat in New York City, especially in underserved communities like The Bronx. It is important that research advances our understanding surrounding exposure duration, so that the public can be vigilant about the dangers of prolonged exposure to hazardous substances.
We were interested in a specific type of air pollution called Particulate Matter, which has a diameter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). PM2.5 is prevalent in factors that negatively affect our respiratory health such as smoke, dust, and vehicle exhaust. Because PM2.5 is 30x thinner than a human hair, it can penetrate our respiratory tract and contribute to cancer when one is exposed for prolonged periods.
While effects on human health are well documented, model organisms like Drosophila Melanogaster (fruit flies) can provide rapid, controlled insights into toxicity. Drosophila have short, consistent reproductive cycles lasting 8-14 days, contain a lung equivalent, and their airway system shows striking similarities with mammals. Previous studies have investigated the detrimental effects of PM2.5 on the longevity of fruit flies and activation of inflammatory markers.
Our study aims to understand how the exposure duration to PM2.5 can alter negative geotaxis (a measure of locomotion and aging) and fertility. We exposed 2 groups of fruit flies to unscented incense to replicate PM2.5 for 30 and 60 minutes, as well as a control group not exposed to PM2.5. Our experimental question is: How does PM2.5 exposure duration affect Drosophila locomotion and fertility?