ScienceSeptember 3, 2026

drosophila

druh-SOF-ih-luh

Definition

A genus of small flies, commonly known as fruit flies, widely used in biological and genetic research.

Etymology

Derived from Modern Latin, the name combines the Greek words 'drosos' (dew) and 'philos' (loving), literally meaning 'dew-loving,' which describes the habitat of these flies.

In the news

The article highlights the use of Drosophila melanogaster in early space experiments because their genetics are well-understood and share similarities with humans, making them ideal for studying the biological effects of space radiation.

In 1947, the military sent fruit flies 67 miles into space to test radiation risks. 11 years later, NASA w

Read the full article ↗

The Economic Times

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