First Drug Shown to Extend Life Span in Mammals

[☭proletarian☭]

A drug derived from bacteria in the soil on Easter Island can substantially extend the life span of mice, according to a study published online today in Nature. The drug, called rapamycin, is the first pharmacological agent shown to enhance longevity in a mammal, and it works when administered beginning late in life. Prior to this research, the only ways to increase rodents' life span were via genetic engineering or caloric restriction--a nutritionally complete but very low-calorie diet.

Technology Review: First Drug Shown to Extend Life Span in Mammals

I know I've heard of that island before...