wired.com: By Michael Wall

New insights into how cells cope with stress could help combat neurological diseases and reduce the ravages of aging. Scientists have known for years that moderate stressors, such as a calorie-restricted diet, increase lifespan in a variety of organisms. Now new research is illuminating how this works at the molecular level. A particular protein is key in regulating at least one aspect of the stress response and may be a good model for anti-aging drugs.

“What we have here is an essential protective pathway that now looks like a very effective therapeutic target,” said biologist Richard Morimoto of Northwestern University. [ read more ]