GoKawiilRIKEN study finds protein memory in fruit flies linked to lifespan
Researchers led by Fumiaki Obata at RIKEN's Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research reduced yeast (protein) content in fruit fly larvae's diet from 8% to 1-2% during the mid-larval stage, then returned them to normal food as adults. The protein-restricted flies lived longer than well-fed siblings but were lighter, paler, and laid fewer eggs; adding amino acids back to the larval diet erased the longevity benefit, suggesting the body retains a 'nutritional memory' of early diet.