Worming out the molecular secrets behind collective behavior
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Studying collective behavior in animals can reveal critical insights into how certain biological pathways regulate social interactions, particularly those involving serotonin—a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation and mental health. Kavita Babu, a professor at the Centre for Neuroscience (CNS) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is leading research on these mechanisms using *Caenorhabditis elegans*, a model organism commonly used in neuroscience due to its simple yet well-understood biology.
The study focuses on how serotonin signaling influences social behaviors in worms, which can provide valuable clues about similar processes in humans. By observing how *C. elegans* interact with their environment and each other, Babu’s team is uncovering the molecular pathways that govern these interactions. Their findings could shed light on how disruptions in these pathways might contribute to social behavior-related disorders.
Understanding serotonin’s role in regulating collective behavior has broader implications for human health. For instance, dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. By studying how serotonin modulates behaviors such as aggregation or dispersal in worms, researchers may identify new targets for therapeutic interventions that could improve treatments for these conditions.
This research also highlights the importance of using model organisms like *C. elegans* to explore complex biological phenomena. Their simplicity allows scientists to dissect intricate molecular and neural mechanisms with precision, offering a foundation for understanding similar processes in more complex organisms, including humans. The insights gained from this work could ultimately lead to breakthroughs in treating social behavior-related disorders and improving mental health outcomes.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026