The Symmetry of Longevity

Authors

Lawrence G. Harshman, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Hans-Georg Müller, University of California, DavisFollow
Xueli Liu, University of Florida, GainesvilleFollow
Yue Wang, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
James R. Carey, University of California, DavisFollow

Date of this Version

10-2005

Document Type

Article

Citation

Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 2005 October, 60(10): 1233–1237

Comments

Copyright 2005 Oxford University Press. Used by permission.

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that relatively symmetrical flies live longer. Vein measurements on the left and right wings from the same individual were used to characterize bilateral symmetry in relationship to age-specific survival in defined cohorts. A longitudinal cohort study supported the hypothesis of a correlation between bilateral symmetry and longevity. For another type of experiment, wings were removed from females and males at approximately the beginning of adult life. Thus, there would be no effect of wings per se on adult survival. These wings were measured to characterize bilateral asymmetry, and the day of death of each dewinged individual was determined. Wing symmetry of females and males proved to be a statistically significant predictor of life span, especially for males.

PubMed Central version