Dieting Monkeys Don’t Live Longer

[salvorhardin]

Mice and rats are often poor models for complex human biological questions.

New research may dampen the enthusiasm of anyone looking to extend their lifespan by restricting their caloric intake. Though laboratory rats on calorie-restricted diets can live up to 35 percent longer than their gluttonous counterparts, and previous research on rhesus macaques hinted at modest increases in longevity for dieting primates, data from a long-term prospective study on macaques paints a more nuanced picture. Published today (August 29) in Nature, research performed at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that calorie restriction may provide some health benefits, but does not increase lifespan more than a sensible diet.

Full story: http://the-scientist.com/2012/08/29/dieting-monkeys-dont-live-longer

[d_r]

1. dammit, I better feed my monkey

[salvorhardin]

2. As long as you don't spank your monkey

So many bad jokes, so little time...

[Quantess]

3. Maybe because lab monkeys live miserable lives?

Seriously, did they control for depressing and boring habitat?