The metabolism of the fruit fly could help develop more targeted dietary treatments for newborns who suffer genetic disorders.
The world-first research by La Trobe and Monash Uni scientists has looked at the fruit flies, which are considered a pest for growers across Mildura and wider Sunraysia.
The findings suggest the interaction between diet and Inherited Metabolic Disorders has more impact on a baby’s health than previously though.
Researchers say the findings address an urgent need to develop precise treatments of the disorders.
This research was funded by an NHMRC Ideas Grant, and involved collaboration with scientists at the US-based Baylor College of Medicine, and clinicians at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/fruit-fly-fly-insect-animal-6831034/
