Scientists Link Gene Mutation to Longevity

Having a big butt helps—seriously

(NEWSER) - Sure, diet and exercise keep you healthy. And yes, smiling will extend your life . But the secrets of aging aren't all so straightforward. Here, courtesy of The Week, are 9 unusual ways to live longer:

• Win the Nobel Prize: Winners live 1.4 years longer than those who were nominated. If you aren't a genius, that's OK. Just try to make people like you; social status is good for your health.
• Live through a recession: In the 20th century, recessions led to longer lifespans, as people gave up expensive vices and fewer people died in workplace and car accidents.

Scientists think Rapamycin might be able to slow aging

(NEWSER) - Scientists think a drug derived from a chemical found in the soil of Easter Island may be able to slow down the aging process and extend human life spans. The drug Rapamycin, nicknamed the “forever young” drug, has been shown in experiments to counteract the effects of Hutchinson-Gilford Progerias Syndrome—a rare genetic disease that causes children to age at a greatly exaggerated rate, dying of “old age” by around 12, the Telegraph reports. More»

Researcher found 'unprecedented changes' in mice who move

(NEWSER) - Just three 45-minute runs a week were enough to reverse the aging process in mice, according to researchers at McMaster University in Canada. Scientists genetically modified the mice so their mitochondria would break down faster, causing the mice to age faster. Half of the mice were then put on an exercise program, running on mini-treadmills three times a week. "After a few months of exercise there were absolutely unprecedented changes," a researcher told AOL News . More»

Females built to last for reproductive success: scientist

(NEWSER) - Women have their hardworking cells to thank for the fact that they tend to live longer than men, argues a scientist. Experts believe aging is caused by tiny problems in the body, and we die when our bodies stop repairing these issues, the Daily Mail reports. Women, suggests the UK scientist, are genetically hardwired to maintain their cells longer, while men are more biologically “disposable.” More»

Spermidine found to increase lifespans of fruit flies, worms

(NEWSER) - The fountain of youth may be filled with grapefruit and human sperm, according to Austrian researchers. The scientists found that spermidine, a chemical compound abundant in both sperm and grapefruit, increased longevity by around a third in fruit flies and worms when it was added to their diet. Human immune cells also lived longer when cultured in the compound. The spermidine slowed the aging process by making cellular processes more efficient, according to researchers. More»