Effects of auditory stimuli on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

It is well known that music can have calming effects on humans, other mammals and birds. Reducing environmental stress or enhancing the resistance to certain stressors has been shown to extend lifespan in several organisms. Evidence also suggests that mild temporary stress may also enhance stress resistance and ultimately slow the aging process. This study explored the possibility that music may influence the lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, possibly by affecting responses to stress. Flies received either background sounds (control), or background sounds supplemented with music (experimental). The experimental group had classical music playing constantly at an average of 20 dB above background sound. The median lifespan of females receiving music was 42 days compared to the median of 45 days without music, but the difference was not significant. For males median lifespans were 42 days with music exposure, and 47 days without music and the difference was significant. These results suggest that exposure to classical music decreased the lifespan of male Drosophila. Both experimental and control populations showed age‐dependent increases in mortality, indicating that music affects the normal aging process rather than showing overt toxicity. These results suggest that certain auditory stimuli may be stressful and can be used as insect management.

Oviposition preference and development of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different radiofrequency fields

“…The radiofrequency interference on physio-biochemical process of insects was also reported by Nelson (1996), who elaborated that radiofrequency can affect the nervous systems which control endocrine system and other systems cause unexpected functions such as inhibiting the formation of protein vitellin and juvenile hormone that control the growth and differentiation of insects. In this study, we found that radiofrequency negatively affected the adult performance such as longevity and weight of adult M. vitrata, findings are line with that of Morales et al (2010), who reported the reduction of lifespan when exposed to classical music in the Drosophila melanogaster. Chen et al (2013) reported that acoustic frequency had significant impact on the lifespan and increased the mortality rate of Tetradcus citri.…”

“…In this study, we found that radiofrequency negatively affected the adult performance such as longevity and weight of adult M. vitrata , findings are line with that of Morales et al . (), who reported the reduction of lifespan when exposed to classical music in the Drosophila melanogaster . Chen et al .…”

Beyond Chemical Triggers: Evidence for Sound-Evoked Physiological Reactions in Plants

“…The speed of sound depends on the medium the waves pass through, and is a fundamental property of the material ( McCall, 2010 ). Living organisms produce and perceive sound to help understand the environment around them ( Morales et al, 2010 ; Aggio et al, 2012 ). Sound-based communication through the eardrum or specialized mechanosensory systems are commonly found in humans and certain terrestrial mammals ( Grothe et al, 2010 ).…”

Stress response to acoustic stimuli in an aphid: A behavioral bioassay model

“…Most studies about the potential effects of sound have focused on vertebrates, however, several studies have dealt with those of insects. Those are exemplified from significantly reduced female calling and mating in response to ultrasonic stimuli in the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpuntella (Huang & Subramanyam 2004), suppression of sex pheromone behavior by ultrasonic stimuli in the gypsy moth, Lymantia dispar (Baker & Cardé 1978), and reduction of lifespan when exposed to classical music in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (Morales et al 2010).…”