Fruit flies may unlock anti-aging clues, ISU research finds

What they found: Using gene knockout experiments during a fly's larva-to-adult transition, researchers found that those lacking a developmental hormone known as PTTH enter the pupal stage a day later than usual but ultimately reach full size and remain healthy.

• They also experienced reduced inflammation associated with aging and lived up to 30% longer, according to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Reality check: Mammals have no growth hormones directly comparable to PTTH.

Yes, but: Other hormones could have a similar effect, study co-author Hua Bai, an associate professor of genetics, development and cell biology at ISU, told the school's news services.

What's next: Further studies are needed to potentially connect the research to animal or human development, per the study.