Obesity is a big problem, and UNLV biologist Allen Gibbs has enlisted millions of six-legged volunteers to help him figure out the genetic basis of a plight that affects an increasing number of Americans.
Obesity is a big problem, and UNLV biologist Allen Gibbs has enlisted millions of six-legged volunteers to help him figure out the genetic basis of a plight that affects an increasing number of Americans.
For nearly a decade, Gibbs has been breeding the world’s fattest fruit flies to investigate how they adapt – or don’t – to stressful environments.
Each generation of flies is starved, with those surviving (less than 20 percent) becoming the founders of the next generation.
More than 115 generations in, the flies have become experts at fat storing, retaining twice the level of typical flies. They also have traits resembling those found in obese humans, including heart problems, lying around not exercising, and poor sleeping habits.
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Image via UNLV.
