A synthetic chemical that may mimic the effects of eating a low-calorie diet extends life span in mice, a new study has found. Previous research showed that mice on a high-fat diet lived longer when given this compound, known as SRT1720; the new work shows that mice on a standard diet also benefit from it. This study is just the latest in an extensive effort to find compounds that may help slow aging and aging-related diseases.
Scientists have known for decades how to make yeast, mice and other organisms live longer: give them less food. Although this might sound paradoxical, it is well established that severely restricting the caloric intake of many lab-raised animals, as long as their essential nutritional needs are met, significantly increases their life span.
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