Precise manipulation in microscopic view - Fruit fly studies aim to protect our cardiovascular health.
Scholars at the University of Osnabrück in Lower Saxony are digging into the heart valves of tiny "insect buzz saws" to understand their composition and function. Why does this matter?
Thankfully, their aim isn't to save flies from heart attacks. This research holds importance for human medicine as well. Although insect hearts may look different from ours, their core operations are quite similar.
Dr. Christian Meyer at the university explains further: "In flies, a lot of genes that exist in humans are well-conserved. The creatures have a swift life cycle, making it easier for us to use various molecular biological and genetic techniques for analysis. Moreover, it allows us to investigate disease patterns in flies, speeding up our comprehension of human cardiovascular ailments."
Their efforts have already yielded results. The team has already pinpointed genes crucial for heart valve formation. Additionally, they've examined how malformations in the vascular system impact the heart and the overall circulatory system, considering the valve's role in it.
So, when will "Dr. Fly" become our lifesaver? The scientists are on the case. *
*(The asterisk is used here as a symbol to represent the implied word "We" or "They" that was not explicitly mentioned, maintaining the informal and engaging tone) *
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Source: symclub.org
