Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Good morning,

I am working on my science project and I am planning to use Drosophila (fruit flies) to model human disease. I did find the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center at Indiana University as a probable source. But I am not sure of the procedure for purchasing these flies; especially for genetically mutated flies. Could you please advise me on how to go about this? I mentioned that the project due to date is January 2016. But, I rechecked and the due date is actually September 2015. Sorry for the mistake.

Thank you for your time.

Hi simha,

I don't have any experience ordering live organisms, but if you've already found a potential source, I would just call them and ask. I know for certain chemicals, vendors do not sell to students directly and you have to purchase the materials through your school or chemistry teacher. Maybe it's the same case for certain biological materials. You'll probably get a better answer directly from that lab at Indiana University than you will from anyone here. Good luck!

-Ben