Failed Diet? You Really Can Blame It on the Genes
A study of genetically diverse flies may help explain why some people can eat a steady diet of junk food and stay skinny, while others quickly gain weight. Researchers put 146 genetically distinct strains of fruit flies on each of four different diets–a nutritionally balanced diet, a low calorie diet, and high fat or high sugar diets–and then measured body weight and other metabolic traits.
According to the findings, published last month in the journal Genetics, some flies were highly sensitive to the different diets, while others maintained the same weight regardless of what they were fed. Diet alone contributed very little to variability in weight. Instead, genetics and the interaction between genetics and diet played a major role.
The findings could give you an easy excuse for failed diet attempts. According to a statement from the Genetics Society of America, “This study strongly suggests that some individuals can achieve benefits from altering their dietary habits, while the same changes for others will have virtually no effect.”
Keep Reading
Most Popular
DeepMind’s cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What’s next is interactive AI.
“This is a profound moment in the history of technology,” says Mustafa Suleyman.
What to know about this autumn’s covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs’s introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.