Adjusting Free Radicals In Flies
Betterhumans reports on efforts to extend fly life span through a "genetic manipulation that reduces free radical damage to nerve cells ... The life extension appeared to derive from an increase in mitochondrial uncoupling in the flies' heads, which led to a decline in free radical production and oxidative damage." It is interesting to see manipulation of mitochondrial function in this way, focused on reducing the damaging waste output - as the authors note, "Our findings highlight the plasticity of mitochondria and suggest the intriguing possibility that genetic or pharmaceutical interventions altering mitochondrial respiration in adults could have significant positive effects on healthy lifespan."
Link: http://www.betterhumans.com/News/news.aspx?articleID=2005-02-15-3