Oxford's oldest student newspaper

Independent since 1920

Flies may be key to ageing

Scientists from Oxford University have discovered a gene in fruit flies that corresponds to the one in humans responsible for the Werner Syndrome.

 

The team, led by Dr Lynne Cox, found that when this gene is damaged in fruit flies they suffer a condition similar to the Werner Syndrome, which causes humans to age rapidly.

 

This development means that scientists may finally be able to evaluate the effect a change in the gene has to the human body as a whole.

Check out our other content

Most Popular Articles