It is well known that caloric restriction to 25-20% the usual basal metabolic requirement extends lifespan across multiple species. There are some data showing consumption of polyphenol antioxidants also extends lifespan in some species. In the current experiment researchers tested the hypothesis that combining both caloric restriction and antioxidant supplementation would have an additive effect. The [...]

Coffee is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages.  It is derived from the coffee bean which contains a multitude of biologically active molecules.  Among them are polyphenols which have antioxidant effects and caffeine which may help stabilize intracellular proteons and prevent misfolding and clumping. These properties may explain the evidence from prior research that coffee [...]

Good evidence has already been reported that taking daily aspirin reduces general cancer risk and specific risk of colorectal cancer. By targeting molecular pathways involved in inflammation aspirin may reduce both the genesis of cancer as well as its likelihood of spreading. Now new research shows this remarkable benefit of aspirin can be applied to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The [...]

Scientists in Spain were successful in using gene therapy to extend the lifespan of mice. They created a viral DNA vector in which the gene for telomerase was inserted into the virus shell. The virus was then injected into middle age mice (average one year old) and elderly mice (average two years old.) Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for maintaining the length of a cell’s telomere. These [...]

Now that genome wide association studies are inexpensive and commonplace, more and more genes are being found inked to extreme longevity. These analyses are important because they show which genes account for extended lifespans.  Knowing which genes are involved and how they play their roles will allow us to intervene and artificially prolong our lifespans. The latest study looked specifically for [...]

The angiotensin-renin system plays a role in several key physiological functions including maintenance of blood pressure.  The effect is mediated by a cell surface receptor called the angiotensin receptor. Studies in mice have shown that disruption of the analogous human receptor in mice extends lifespan. In the current study, the authors hypothesized that certain variants of this receptor called [...]

Micah True is a renowned ultramarathoner who was found dead out on a running trail last month. He was 58 years old. It is well recognized that regular aerobic exercise is beneficial to health. There is ample evidence that running in particular may extend lifespan. However some data suggests excess exercise may increase mortality. Ultramarathon running involves distances greater than 26 miles, sometimes [...]

The fruitfly Drosophila Melanogaster is often utilized in lifespan and longevity experiments as its natural lifespan is only about 40 days. The current trial was undertaken as researchers point out “the mechanisms underlying natural variation in lifespan and ageing rate remain largely unknown.” They did an analysis of genome-wide protein expression in two groups of fruit flies, a wildtype [...]

Naked mole rats are a unique rodent that have lifespans of over 30 years, more than 10 fold the lifespan of typical rodents. Recently the genome of the naked mole rat has been sequenced, and researchers continue to work extensively with the animal to discover reasons for its profound longevity. Indeed any learnings gleaned from this animal could lead to advances in human longevity. New research is [...]

The function and fate of our cells are in large part under the control of our genes.  As we being to unravel the effects of various genes on the process of longevity it becomes very important to develop way to control them. For example some genes may allow for longer lifespans.  If an individual possesses a version of that gene which is linked to shorter lifespans, it would be useful to manipulate [...]