Gene oppositely controlled by dietary protein, sugar

Researchers have discovered a gene in flies whose activity rises and falls depending upon the amount of protein and sugar in the insects’ diets. The findings, reported in the April issue of Cell Metabolism, might shed light on the way the insects’ bodies—and perhaps those of humans too—handle dietary extremes, including high-protein, low-carb diets like the Atkins, according to the researchers. These findings are also yielding new clues about the links between diet and life span.