Flies Thrive on Freeze-Free Fat
Flies survive extreme low temperatures by making a unique form of fat....
Flies survive extreme low temperatures by making a unique form of fat.
Dr. Katie Marshall, a post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia, has found that the Goldenrod gall-fly makes a unique form of fat that helps it survive extreme temperatures. This gall-fly is extremely cold-tolerant, and can survive temperatures as low as -80 Celsius. The unique fat these flies produce stays liquid at lower temperatures than other fats, and may serve a dual function by providing energy and protecting the insect's cells from damage associated with freezing. The fat is also low-calorie, which may mean it could be useful in foods, and its freeze-tolerance could make it useful for biofuels.
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