Lifespan: 17 to 28 years
T PHO
One approach to aging biology research
The naked mole rat, a mouse-size rodent
TO CREDIT
is called “comparative biology.” It involves
that lives underground, has been widely used
comparing two or more similar species that have
in comparative research. It lives approximately
: C
very different lifespans—one lives much longer
OUR
17 years in the wild and more than 28 years
TES
than the other—to understand how the longer-
in captivity. Its relative, the mouse, lives a
Y OF THOMA
lived species has, as one NIA-funded researcher
maximum of 4 years. What accounts for this
puts it, “exceptional resistance to basic aging
startling difference? Naked mole rats have lower
processes.” Comparative biology studies
metabolic rates and body temperature, meaning
S P
generally focus on species that live at least twice
ARK, PH.D
that they require less energy to survive. They
as long as their close relatives.
have low concentrations of blood glucose (blood
A few possible theories explain what may be
., UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS A
sugar), insulin, and thyroid hormone, so they are
taking place among these longer-lived animals:
less susceptible to certain diseases. Naked mole
► They experience a slower rate of
rats are better able to withstand some types
age-related decline.
of biological stress and, at this point, there has
► They can survive even when their organs and/or
never been a case of cancer reported in these
systems break down and have minimal function. animals. All these factors and likely others yet to T CHICA
► They are better able to tolerate cellular
be determined contribute to their healthier and
damage or diseases.
longer life.
GO
BIOLOGY OF AGING: RESEARCH TODAY FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW 11
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