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Scientists Discover 'Degrees of Kevin Bacon' Gene in Fruit Flies

May 3, 2024, 12:40 PM

Researchers have identified a gene in Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as fruit flies, that regulates the structure of social networks. Named 'degrees of kevin bacon' (dokb), the gene is expressed in the central nervous system of the flies. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, suggests that social network structures may be heritable. The gene's name is inspired by the parlor game '6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon', which involves linking a Hollywood actor to Kevin Bacon through their film roles.