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Health & Science7d 19h ago
A study published in Nature Communications found that some Heliconius butterflies have evolved mechanisms for extended lifespans and delayed physiological decline, even when deprived of a pollen-rich diet.
Tropical rainforests of South and Central America
Who
Dr. Jessica Foley, colleagues, Tufts University's Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
What
A study published in Nature Communications found that some Heliconius butterflies have evolved mechanisms for extended lifespans and delayed physiological decline, even when deprived of a pollen-rich diet.
When
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT · 7d 19h ago
Where
Tropical rainforests of South and Central America ·
Why
Scientists were stumped by the unusually long lifespans of some tropical butterflies, inspiring Dr. Jessica Foley to investigate the evolutionary basis of these differences.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
The findings suggest Heliconius butterflies can serve as a model for studying mechanisms of longevity and healthy aging, potentially offering insights relevant for humans.
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