True Finality

In doing experiments, we scientists aim for control, precision and detail, and sometimes get wrapped up in the exacting measurements of our work.

But then the fruit flies remind us that things aren't always predictable.

One of the reasons that a particular genetic experiment may fail in the lab is a very practical one. Occasionally, a fly gets stuck in the mushy food and dies.

And of course, as Cummins warns in his 1965 book Experimental Entomology, "Dead flies don't produce progeny!"

Even the best thought-out experiment can be stalled by the random occurrences of life and the unpredictable whimsy of death.

After a couple months of quiet here in the True Flies blog land, the author has decided to let this project come to a close. With deep appreciation to any and all who stumbled across it. And to the many photographers on Flickr whose work was featured here.

And of course, to the wonderful panoply of Dipteran flies and all of their insect cousins. Creatures that have, however unwittingly, served to inspire wonder and interest in innumerable amateur and professional biologists, entomologists, macro-lens photographers and so many more, all over the world and for so many years.

Live on, you two-winged beauties, live on!

Been Hiding

Shoo Fly, originally uploaded by savygirl818.

Yes, True Flies has been hiding. But not gone. Like this fly, perhaps, the blog author is just peeking up to say a quick hello.

Life is Short

Or is it?

Contrary to popular belief, fruit flies do not die after just twenty-four hours of adulthood (although some insects do).

In fact, the average fruit fly can live two or three months in the best of conditions. Outside the lab setting, factors that contribute to lifespan include temperature, humidity, food availability, predation and disease.

Through genetic analysis, researchers have found that mutations in any of several different genes can extend the life of a fly by as much as ten percent. And mutations in one gene, named Indy for "I'm not dead yet!" (a line familiar to Monty Python fans), have been reported to double the fly's lifespan.

By identifying genes that shorten or extend a fly's lifespan, researchers hope to learn what genetic pathways and processes are important to aging.

Though a magic pill to make us younger is highly improbable, insights from the study of aging may lead to treatments that alleviate ailments commonly associated with getting older such as arthritis, memory loss, diabetes and heart disease.

Want more? The NIH now has a National Institute on Aging.

Glamour Shot--Fly on Leaf

Fly on a Dead Leaf, originally uploaded by incurable_hippie.

I Eat Flies

Lizard on the hunt, originally uploaded by G L W.

Lizards like this one--on the hunt for what appears to be a housefly--are among the many organisms that eat flies and other insects.

True Play

The fly gene hamlet was so-named for a "to be or not to be" decision made by a group of cells affected by mutations in the hamlet gene.

Glamour Shot--Sports Car Colors

Horse Fly 01, originally uploaded by bawkbawkflapflap.

Silver eyes, black body. Is this a fly or luxury sedan?