YPIE Scientist: Kium Hwangbo

Research: Influence of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on the Behavior of Drosophila Melanogaster

Awards: WESEF 2025

Abstract:

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is widespread throughout the modern world, affecting up to 80% of the population and increasing at a rate of 6% per year (Holker et. al., 2010). At the current moment, over 80% of the human population lives under a “lit sky” caused by ALAN and over 99% of the population in Europe and America live under a “lit sky” (Falchi, et. al., 2016); (Tamir, et. al., 2017). From this widespread use of ALAN, it is possible to see epigenetics, a change in DNA expression that comes as a result of environmental factors, play a more prominent role in our modern world than in the past. Transgenerational Inheritance, a product of epigenetics, is caused when piRNA-pathways in the germline are altered due to environmental factors, making ALAN a possible factor for transgenerational inheritance. However, light pollution’s effects through the use of epigenetics has been scarcely studied. This study focuses on determining whether or not ALAN has an effect on the germline through transgenerational inheritance by exposing Drosophila melanogaster to three separate levels of light (1800K, 3000K, and 5000K respectively). Intergenerational effects of ALAN on Drosophila were assessed via the negative geotaxis climbing behavior test. It was found that both Amber and White light had insignificant effects when comparing P and F1 generations (Amber p = 0.0863; White p = 0.1919), and P and F2 generations (Amber p = 0.2013, White p = 0.1170). Contrastly, Natural lighting displayed significant effects from both P to F1 (p = 0.0111) and P to F2 (p = 0.0461). Soft lighting had significant effects from both P to F1 (p = 0.0325) and P to F2 (p = 0.0001), displaying a constant increase in climbing capabilities of the flies throughout generations. These results imply that epigenetic mechanisms are suspected to be directly affected by Natural and Soft lighting, causing changes in climbing behavior. By determining the effect of ALAN on the genetic makeup of an individual through different color LEDs, the effects of light pollution on transgenerational inheritance can be better understood.

Presentation Slides

About this Scientist:

Kium Hwangbo is currently a Junior Year Full IB Student at Yonkers Middle High School. He is currently working to expand STEM access to middle schoolers in his community. Kium plans on pursuing pre-med, get his MD/PhD and becoming a physician-scientist.