The plasticity of aging: insights from long-lived mutants.

Researchers reviewed experiments on animals with changed genes, especially worms, flies, and mice. These genetic changes altered systems that sense food and growth signals, including insulin-like signals that help control blood sugar and body growth. Some of these animals lived longer and stayed healthier for more of their lives. No humans took part, so the findings do not directly show that medicines or diets will extend human life.

What this means for you: This research helps explain how aging might be controlled, but it does not support buying a supplement or changing your diet based on these findings. Human aging is more complicated, and the useful treatments are not yet known.