How Seeing Corpses Reduces The Lifespan Of Flies
Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Christi Gendron, discovered a relationship between death awareness and slowed aging in flies and how seeing corpses reduces the lifespan of flies.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:Daniel JamesJun 15, 202369.7K Shares1.1M Views
Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Christi Gendron, discovered a relationship between death awareness and slowed aging in flies and how seeing corpses reduces the lifespan of flies.
Impact Of Death Awareness On Aging In Flies
Their latest study, published on June 13 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, indicates that when flies encounter other deceased flies, a specific group of brain cells called R2 and R4 neurons are active and that this higher activity leads to faster aging.
The process of aging is a complicated one that can be affected by a person's genes as well as the environment in which they live. Even while we are aware that one's life experiences can have an effect on aging, the mechanism by which this happens is still largely a mystery.
One illustration of this might be the effect of "depth perception" in fruit flies. When fruit flies encounter other fruit flies that have died, they undergo rapid aging, and this effect is dependent on a particular type of serotonin receptor.
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This information was previously revealed by the University of Michigan. In their most recent follow-up study, the researchers describe this procedure in detail.
An investigation into the behavior of fruit flies led to the identification of the neuronal population at fault. Using fluorescent tagging, researchers were able to determine that the ellipsoid body region of the fly brain became more active after being exposed to dead flies.
The silencing of individual ring neurons in this region indicated that the impact required two separate types of ring neurons, R2 and R4. Subsequent research demonstrated that the critical component is the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A which is located in these neurons.
Finally, the researchers demonstrated that artificially activating these neurons reduced fruit fly lifespans even when the flies did not experience any death sense.
Understanding how brain networks like these govern aging could lead to specific pharmacological therapies that delay the aging process in humans.
Scott Pletcher, a co-author, adds, "We identified specific neurons and evolutionarily conserved molecules in the fly brain that help tune rates of aging in response to environmental conditionsand experiences."
Karan Emery
Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James
Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
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