Gene research rides high on fruit fly

From: Chicago Sun-Times | Date: June 4, 1987| Author: Jim Ritter | Copyright information

Ever since man evolved in Africa a few million years ago, his constant companion has been a tiny fruit fly named Drosophila melanogaster.

Wherever man went, Drosophila followed, feasting on his rotting fruit. Through the ages, the fly has been a nagging reminder that it's time to take out the garbage.

But in modern times, this harmless little pest has taken on a much grander role, as the No. 1 research tool of the genetics revolution. Thanks in large part to Drosophila, we'...

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