Benchmarks for ageing studies

The hopes for improving human health during ageing are largely based on studies with animal models. But Linda Partridge and David Gems ask if we are learning the right lessons from ageing research. Animal models, including mice, yeast, Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans, are providing a wealth of data on the genetic and lifestyle factors that influence lifespan. But how does this relate to the complex process of ageing in humans? In a Commentary, Linda Partridge and David Gems discuss the progress and pitfalls in the still-young field of ageing research.

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