The Story of the First Two Hours of a Fly's Life - Early Development in Drosophila

Explore the fascinating intersection of biology and physics in this 57-minute presidential lecture that delves into the crucial first two hours of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) embryonic development. Journey through the fundamental mechanisms that transform an unstructured embryo into a fully-developed organism, examining key concepts from fluid dynamics, wave propagation, and mechanics. Learn about the life cycle, early developmental phases, and the groundbreaking work of Thomas Morgan and the Fly Room, while understanding the significance of Drosophila as a model organism. Discover the intricate processes of cell division, tessellation patterns, and trigger waves, with special attention to temperature effects and their role in development. Gain insights into how the overlap between physical and biological sciences continues to reveal new discoveries in developmental biology.