or prevent disease and disability so that we can live
Drosophila melanogaster
healthier longer.
Is what’s good for mice
good for men?
A lot of research findings seem to tell us what is good—or
bad—for yeast, mice, roundworms ( C. elegans), or fruit MOUSE
flies ( Drosophila melanogaster). Does that mean it will Mus musculous
work for you? Animal models are essential to research
in the biology of aging. Fruit flies and roundworms,
along with more complex organisms like mice, rats, and
nonhuman primates, have many biological mechanisms
and genes that are similar to humans. They also experience
many of the same physiological changes (changes in the
body) with aging. Therefore, these animals can be used as
models of human aging and human physiology, despite
the obvious differences in appearance. Scientists can use
some exploratory approaches (like modifying a gene
to measure its effects on health or longevity) in animal