X-Message-Number: 18334
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2002 11:09:39 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: 56'th update on fly longevity experiments

    This is the 56'th update of my fly longevity experiments.  Recorded
average temperature during the experiment was 25.2 C.
    I used a very old breeding bottle this time to test for antiviral
effects. Citric acid exerted no antiviral effects, but rice protein did.
As judged by the day 18 census, adding citric acid to rice protein reduces
its effect. This is not surprising, since it is known that protein is less
readily assimilated in acidic media by flies. However citric acid does
guarentee that molds will never be a problem, and also prevents browning
of the fly food. In future I may reduce the amount of citric acid used,
but will still add a little. The current new batch of fly food may be
proof against molds, but I expect that this may not continue to be the
case, as the mold inhibitor used in the fly food, based on past
experience, appears to be not entirely stable.

Run #56                     Percent Survival on Day
supplement              5 11 18 27 32 37 43 49 55 59 64
_______________________________________________________
control                64  0  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
rice protein 1 tsp     84 53 42 16 16  5  5  5  5  5  0
citric acid 1/8 tsp    42  0  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
  + rice protein 1 tsp 72 56 33  6  0  -  -  -  -  -  -
citric acid 1/4 tsp    60 10  0  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
  + rice protein 1 tsp 60 20 13  7  0  -  -  -  -  -  -

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