Live Longer through Sterilization
A new study from biologists at Brown University shows that fruit flies live longer if they are engineered so as not to produce eggs or sperm cells. Indeed, scientists have known for some time that delayed reproduction corresponds with longer lifespans in most animals. The new research suggests a mechanism for this effect.
The longevity effect seems to be associated with insulin, as it is with caloric restriction. What surprised scientists was the fact that the altered flies actually produced more insulin, rather than less. Excess insulin shortens lifespan in most instances, so they had to look further to explain why, in this case, it was associated with longer lives.
They discovered that the gonads of the sterile insects were producing a protein that blocked the insulins effectiveness. The protein binds to the insulin, making it inactive. Thus, one of the researches said:
“… when insulin signaling is reduced, the body goes into a state of high repair. The body becomes more stress resistant. Tissues protect themselves really well – and that increases longevity.
We have all seen the folks on TV starving themselves in hopes of living longer — now we can expect a flood of idiots racing to the doctor’s office to be sterilized. That’s great for the gene pool!