From: Doug Skrecky (oberon@vcn.bc.ca)
Date: Fri May 10 2002 - 21:51:59 MDT
> Doug, was this typical 'vanilla extract'? Did it contain alcohol or
> propylene glycol?
>
It was a powder, so I doubt it contained solvents.
> Also, you elsewhere mention that fruit flies seem to absorb nutrients from
> acidic foods poorly. Obviously, citric acid was beneficial in many cases.
> But do you suspect there may be cases where it is counterproductive, in
> combination with come of the supplements you are testing?
>
Citric acid has interfered with anti-viral supplements in some of my
experiments. I generally use a lower dosage now. Unfortunately some acid
appears to be needed to prevent mold growth on fly food, as well as
keeping-it-fresh. Over-all I'm not very impressed by commercial fly food.
> How do you seal the bottles? Is there pretty much free interchange of
> gasses? Where in the archives should I look for a complete description of
> your set-up? (i.e., foods other than the tested supplements, breeding among
> the bottled flies, etc.)
>
I use cardboard and tape to seal the bottles. However I have tested the
effect of adding a plastic bag on longevity - no effect.
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