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Isn’t it cute, this little cousin Drosophila M.?
Long ago, when I worked in an office and for someone other than myself, I wrote an article about genetic nomenclature.
The main point was that, since humans share significant quantities of DNA with fruit flies, much of genetic research involves studying and naming fruit fly genes. The article also discussed how irreverent gene names are humorous in the case of fruit flies (Buttonhead, Cheap Date), but might be less so in the context of human genetics and epidemiology.
While I don’t link to these old articles as a matter of personal principle (aka stubbornness), I will say the research for many of them introduced me to fascinating ideas on health, nutrition, science, fitness and more. It was in that job, and in spite of it, that I came to know my inner science nerd.
So that’s basically my lead-up into a cheat post – things are busy, and so today I give you a link. Take yourself to this piece on delaying aging in fruit flies with the flip of a gene, and get intrigued with ideas about healthier aging.
Even if you don’t read the article, please walk away with this: science and medicine are endlessly fascinating, and always investigating new ways to potentially make our lives healthier, more comfortable and longer. Not to say that every endeavor is without its drawbacks, but this is what differentiates us from the victims of the so many terrible diseases. For the sake of our children, grandchildren and ourselves, we owe genetics (and these fruit flies) a nod.
Oh, to see the medical capabilities of the 22nd century. Imagine how much we have yet to learn. As summer wanes, and we swat the last of the fruit flies from that lovely seasonal produce, remember that he or she might hold the key to the next big medical answer.