With student help, researchers find factor linking longer maturation to longer life

AMES, Iowa – Biologists know that animals that mature slowly tend to live longer, but they aren’t sure why. A recent study of fruit flies by an Iowa State University research team sheds new light on the link between developmental timing and longevity, which could lead to a better understanding of how to lengthen human lives. 

The study, published this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that fruit flies missing a crucial developmental hormone, PTTH, enter the pupal stage about a day later than usual and subsequently end up living up to 30% longer. This elongated life is marked by reduced inflammaging, the chronic inflammation associated with aging.