New research could have applications on aging therapies for humans.
Why do we age? Despite more than a century of research, and a vast industry of youth-promising products, what causes our cells and organs to deteriorate with age is still unknown.
One known factor is temperature. As a result, "there are people out there who believe, strongly, that if you take a cold shower every day it will extend your lifespan," said Kristin Gribble, a scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory.
But a new study from the laboratories of Gribble and MBL Director of Research David Mark Welch indicates that it's not just a matter of turning down the thermostat. Rather, the extent to which temperature affects lifespan depends on an individual's genes.
Find the rest of the story at UChicago News.