Meth in Drosophila

The authors of Fruit flies on meth (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420184431.htm) were able to identify the effects of meth on molecular pathways using Drosophila as test subjects.  A barrage of pathways affected by meth such as energy generation, sugar metabolism and hormones have been identified using fly's of all things.  Manfredo Seufferheld (co-author) found evidence that indicates that meth mirrors rapidly growing cancer cells by altering the metabolism of the user.  Both meth and cancer cells use a process known as glycolysis  to provide the energy needed to maintain homeostasis in both humans and flys.  This is different from oxygen respiration which is the process normal cells use while in the presence of oxygen.  This is also known as the Warburg effect.  In this study they were also able to determine that fly's like humans, crave drinks containing large amounts of sugar which is thought to be related to reducing the toxicity of meth.

Although Im no meth expert, a sugary drink seems a bit weak in combating the worlds worst drug and all the negative effects that go along with it.