Longevity is a much sought after goal for humans and there are supposed to be many ways to extend the life span by a few years. The discovery that mole rats and squirrels can live longer is making scientists look into the reasons for their longevity. There could be many reasons like the environment, their metabolic make up, pace of living and the foods they consume. Mole rat is a burrowing rodent, feeding on large tubers underground,with small lungs, needs very low oxygen and its metabolic activities are at a very low keel. It can reduce its rate of metabolism by 25% under adverse conditions.
"Their life span is of extraordinary length for a rodent. Mice live a couple of years but mole rats can reach the venerable age of 28. The long life is probably a consequence of their protected existence. Mice have a short life span because they have many predators. Better to breed fast and young than prepare for an old age none will never live to see. Gray squirrels, on the other hand, have fewer enemies and can live for more than 20 years".
The moot question is whether man would like to live like a mole rat assuming that scientists are able to bring out the factors responsible for their long life. Man has to choose between a long miserable life or a good life with limited life span. One cannot have the cake as well as eat it!
The moot question is whether man would like to live like a mole rat assuming that scientists are able to bring out the factors responsible for their long life. Man has to choose between a long miserable life or a good life with limited life span. One cannot have the cake as well as eat it!
V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com
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