indy gene in fruit flies

Factual Questions
1

I heard on NPR this morning that there was a new gene discovered that made fruit flies live 200% longer.

It was called the INDY gene for “I’m not dead yet.”

Does anyone know if this is a Monty Python and the Holy Grail reference. (You know, the not-dead-yet plague victim.)

2

I read about this on ABCnews.com this morning, and indeed, it is apparently a reference to that timeless Monty Python classic.

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/science/DailyNews/fruitfly001215.html

3

Oh yeah, and I love the line in that article:

4

Thanks troub!

I wonder what kind of non-sophomoric humour is common among reporting circles?

However, it does seem that the common coin of internet/ scientific humour is Monty Python, Hitchhiker’s guide, and the Far Side.

5

Although I’m glad to hear Monty Python getting more respect, I was really psyched. I thought this thread was about bugs that listened to Belle and Sebastian.

shits,

jb