Most butterflies live for only a few days nor weeks. But postman butterflies live for up to 9 months because they feed on pollen as well as nectar. Pollen is rich in nutrients, especially proteins.
Humble fruit fly 'ally' in cancer war
Humble fruit fly 'ally' in cancer war Scientists in Great Britain think that they have
found genes which will help them fight cancer. Their research has
focused on the genetics of Drosophila, or the fruit fly. As all
life on the planet is linked genetically, discoveries made in the
fruit fly have implications for humans too, because we all share
the same genes. The scientists have discovered 50 to 100 genes
which control the process of cell division in the fruit fly. When
the researchers looked at the same cell division genes in humans,
they found that when the genes are faulty, cancer can occur.
Normally when cells are faulty, they die. In cancer cells, however,
faulty cells go on duplicating. The scientists have now developed
new drugs for cancer, based on their research. These drugs will
attempt to make faulty cells die instead of duplicating and human
trials are expected to begin soon. 16 MARCH 2000
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