SCIENCE OF AGING

March 2005
		Scientists have isolated a series of genes found in many different plants and animals that seem to control the aging process. Two leading scientists on "anti-aging" gene research answer your questions. Special Report: Science of Aging

Forum Introduction What kinds of food should we eat to exploit this finding? Is there any connection between this work and the theories on telomeres? How many years away are we from human trials? Is it likely that drinking red wine, eating grapes or taking resveratrol in the form of supplements can slow down aging? Aren't there negative side effects from being kept in a state of constant emergency mode? What should the caloric intake for humans be to potentially extend health and life? How does expending calories through exercise affect the rate of aging?	Seventy years ago scientists first discovered that rodents kept on a carefully balanced but calorie-restricted diet lived longer, healthier lives on average than control animals on a normal diet. Later research showed the same thing happened to every animal tested, but no one understood why restricting calories made life spans longer. Some scientists now believe that research shows certain genes control aging, and by manipulating those genes, the effect on life spans is similar to reducing calorie consumption. Two leading scientists on the study of these anti-aging genes -- Dr. Stephen Helfand, professor of genetics and developmental biology at the University of Connecticut, and Dr. David Sinclair, associate professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School -- answer your questions about their research.