All showed the same genetic mutation, needing a pairing of one normal and one mutated gene on a pair of chromosomes. If they were two normal genes, then they were normal,'' he said. One might ask how a month of extra life for a tiny insect has interested researchers in human aging so much. The reason is that the breakthrough studies of both the human genome the mapping of the human genes and that of fruitflies show the two share about 80 percent of their genes. This doesn't mean that to live longer, humans will need fruitfly genes implanted in our bodies.
Genes direct our bodies to produce enzymes.
Warner said if researchers can learn what enzymes this mutated gene affects, they can go to the laboratory and create a way, through pharmaceuticals, to inhibit the work of that enzyme. That would slow down our metabolism, restricting the calories our bodies burn. In turn, that would help us maintain an ideal, lower body weight and live longer. You can't go into a lab without hearing people recite Monty Python jokes. Post it here.