"Additionally, many human diseases are linked to genes carried on the X chromosome. That's why women do not suffer in the same numbers as men from such ailments as color blindness or hemophilia, since their double dose of X genetic material helps compensate for 'defective' genes on one of their chromosomes. Men, with just one X chromosome, have less protection. Understanding the role of the X chromosome and the mechanism of chromosome counting in fruit flies may help shed light on these same features in humans."
Besides potentially shedding light on human genetic maladies, Erickson and Avila say their work is just plain interesting.
"After all," says Erickson, "fruit flies share the same life cycle as butterflies ?they're just not as pretty."