Alexander Shakeel Bates
Fly Neuroscientist and other good things.
- A small and interesting neural controller for object pursuit on the fly:
- Delighted to share an updated pre-print on how adaptive control in visual pursuit is implemented at the circuit level. New behavior and neuronal data in females (!) shows how two AOTU pathways are key elements in both sexes. Check it out on @biorxiv-neursci.bsky.social : doi.org/10.1101/2025...
- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesDelighted to share an updated pre-print on how adaptive control in visual pursuit is implemented at the circuit level. New behavior and neuronal data in females (!) shows how two AOTU pathways are key elements in both sexes. Check it out on @biorxiv-neursci.bsky.social : doi.org/10.1101/2025...
- We have been answering redditors questions today on the #BANC fly connectome in a public AMA if anyone wants to take a look: www.reddit.com/r/askscience...
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- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesNeuronal diversity is written in transcriptional codes 🧬. But what is the logic of these codes that define cell types and wiring patterns? To find out we built a #scRNAseq developmental atlas of the Drosophila nerve cord and linked it to the #connectome 🪰🧠 #preprint thread ⬇️1/8
- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesFly labs — Now is the time to show some solidarity and chip in support for this vital resource!
- FlyBase needs your help! Visit the link below for more information, and please consider donating to help save this amazing resource. wiki.flybase.org/wiki/FlyBase...
- The #BANC connectome sample was the best dissection of ~150 by @mindyisminsu.bsky.social! Behaviourally characterised by @debivort.bsky.social lab, microCT used to assess integrity before continuing. Then Minsu and @jasper-tms.bsky.social imaged over ~7 months Details: github.com/jasper-tms/t...
- It’s surreal to think that every neuron and synapse in the fly brain + cord that was dissected almost five years ago (the photo’s still on the lab slack!) is now just a click away on Codex codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team behind it!
- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesIt’s surreal to think that every neuron and synapse in the fly brain + cord that was dissected almost five years ago (the photo’s still on the lab slack!) is now just a click away on Codex codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team behind it!
- How is the nervous system organized to coordinate behavior? To approach this massive question, a team led by @asbates.bsky.social, @jasper-tms.bsky.social, @mindyisminsu.bsky.social, & Helen Yang present the BANC: a Brain and Nerve Cord connectome. Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025... 🧪#Neuroskyence
- The fly #BANC connectome benefits from specialists’ annotations. @ellenlesser.bsky.social helped us annotate wing sensory neurons and @tony-azevedo.bsky.social wing + other motor neurons, see them here!: ng.banc.community/2025a/wing-n... In Codex: codex.flywire.ai/app/search?f...
- Explore neurons that enter/exit the fly central nervous system by body part with this clickable fly!: codex.flywire.ai/app/body_par... (graphics: @mottcallie.bsky.social, tool: Arie Matisliah) Vector graphics! github.com/wilson-lab/s... Effector cells in 3D! ng.banc.community/2025a/effere...
- For the BANC, @jasper-tms.bsky.social and I have added layers for neurons in other datasets to our neuroglancer environment. Search by name and see your favourite neurons in the same space! See an example here: ng.banc.community/2025a/DNa01-...
- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesHow is the nervous system organized to coordinate behavior? To approach this massive question, a team led by @asbates.bsky.social, @jasper-tms.bsky.social, @mindyisminsu.bsky.social, & Helen Yang present the BANC: a Brain and Nerve Cord connectome. Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025... 🧪#Neuroskyence
- Public access to the first fly connectome that spans the whole CNS - BANC!: codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc Different from prior connectomes - it is brain + cord (think spinal cord) We use it to ‘embody’ the system and find it resembles ‘subsumption architecture’ doi.org/10.1101/2025...
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- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel Bates[Not loaded yet]
- Public access to the first fly connectome that spans the whole CNS - BANC!: codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc Different from prior connectomes - it is brain + cord (think spinal cord) We use it to ‘embody’ the system and find it resembles ‘subsumption architecture’ doi.org/10.1101/2025...
- A massive community effort, centred on @harvardmed.bsky.social @princetonneuro.bsky.social. EM data from @darbly.bsky.social lab, collected by @jasper-tms.bsky.social @mindyisminsu.bsky.social.
- Flywire collaborators @princetonneuro.bsky.social were essential in building the connectome, and theory collaborators in interpreting it! @jdrugowitsch.bsky.social Art by @amysterling.bsky.social!
- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesHappy Friday! The female adult fly brain-and-nerve-cord (BANC) connectome is now LIVE! Explore the data here: codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc Check out the preprint here: doi.org/10.1101/2025...

- Reposted by Alexander Shakeel BatesThe first full central nervous system connectome dataset of an adult fly, with the most comprehensive annotation of sensory and motor neurons to date. A heroic effort with contributions from many groups, a product of the collaborative spirit of the Drosophila neuroscience community.
- Happy Friday! The female adult fly brain-and-nerve-cord (BANC) connectome is now LIVE! Explore the data here: codex.flywire.ai?dataset=banc Check out the preprint here: doi.org/10.1101/2025...

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- With so many new in blue, I thought I would repost this thread about our neurotransmitter prediction across the entire fly brain connectome! Should prove a very useful hypothesis generator for the insect neuroscience community.
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