Bio Systems · Mar 21, 2026

Loss of thermodynamic efficiency of various organs and functions of Drosophila melanogaster during aging

By Montemayor Aldrete JA, Castañeda Sortibán AN, Carballo Ontiveros MA et al.

Aging is a universal phenomenon characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function. In this study, we applied a rigorous physical theory based on irreversible thermodynamics to analyze experimental data from Drosophila melanogaster. We establish a unifying principle: the functional thermodynamic efficiency loss parameter per cycle (α). This parameter is proportional to the specific entropy produced in a functional cycle relative to the total entropy produced until failure. By analyzing 61 values across various organs and functions, we identified a "quantized" behavior in functional aging. Furthermore, we determined the maximum energy dissipated per unit mass (μlmg) throughout the lifespan. These findings suggest a fundamental architecture in biological energy allocation. This thermodynamic approach offers a novel, quantitative method for evaluating aging and testing interventions, providing a solid alternative to traditional demographic biomarkers.

doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2026.105775 PubMed 41871710 Mechanisms