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Sexual reproduction delays aging in a mammalian species
February 22, 2006Past research on aging and the life histories of diverse species has shown that sexual reproduction is biologically costly for individuals and tends to decrease lifespan rather than increase it. But a new study by Philip Dammann and Hynek Burda from the University of Duisburg-Essen shows that, in a vertebrate species, the opposite can be true as well.
The authors, studying captive Zambian mole-rats (Cryptomys anselli), analyzed breeding data gathered over the course of more than 20 years. These subterranean, almost-blind, hamster-sized rodents are among the very few mammal species that have adopted a eusocial lifestyle. This means that they live in family groups containing one breeding pair-offspring remain with their parents as (mostly whole-life) helpers-burrowing, foraging, and raising young together. Whereas the breeding pair is sexually active throughout the year, the helpers are sexually quiescent. By comparing the long-term survival of breeders and non-breeders, Dammann and Burda found that the former lived extraordinarily long (up to 20 years) and on average about twice as long as their non-breeding counterparts. The researchers were also able to show that this pattern was not caused by differences in intrinsic biological quality, social rank, or workload between breeders and non-breeders.
These findings provide unexpected new information for understanding the evolution of life histories, and they shed new light on the old question of the connection between sexual activity and aging. Furthermore, as the authors argue, Cryptomys anselli could become a valuable new model organism for the study of the mechanisms that underlie aging, since this species offers the rare opportunity to study differential aging rates among individuals possessing the same genes and experiencing the same environmental conditions, apparently differing only in the aspect of pair-bonding and engaging in sexual activity.
Cell Press
Cell Press
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New cancer target for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Physician-scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a molecular mechanism that may prove to be a powerful target for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, or white blood cells.
Texas A&M Researchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria
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In the war between the sexes, the one with the closest fungal relationship wins
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Can a plant be altruistic?
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Workplace BPA exposure increases risk of male sexual dysfunction
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For young boys with cancer, testicular tissue banking may be option to preserve fertility
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Hormone that affects finger length key to social behavior
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What's the point of setting up marine reserves to protect coral reefs from pollution, ship groundings and overfishing if climate change could cause far more damage? A study published this week in London in Proceedings of the Royal Society B provides the answer.
North Atlantic Fish Populations Shifting as Ocean Temperatures Warm
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Essential Reproduction (Essentials) by Martin H. Johnson (Author) First Prize in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology category at the British Medical Association Book Awards 2008 Essential Reproduction provides an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to the study of reproduction for students taking courses in reproductive physiology in a wide range of subjects, from medicine and midwifery to veterinary medicine and bioscience. The book spans the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, behavioural science, endocrinology, immunology, genetics and clinical science. It draws out the general, fundamental principles of reproduction, and makes clear the differences between species in relevant areas - often in tabular form or as illustrations for clarity of presentation. There is a strong emphasis on clear structure and layout, and a good use of... |
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NOVA - The Miracle of Life Starring: David Ogden Stiers, Bo Moller, Hans Wigzell, Klaus Renner, Hans-Jochen Lunemann Directed By: Mikael Agaton Also With: Graeme McBride (Cinematographer), Mikael Agaton (Producer), Mikael Agaton (Writer), Beth Hoppe (Producer), Bo G. Erickson (Producer), Lars Rengfelt (Producer), Melanie Wallace (Producer), Paula Apsell (Producer), Thomas Friedman (Producer), Thomas Friedman (Writer) Each minute, all over the world, a baby is born. An everyday occurrence, yet each birth is the culmination of one of nature's most complex, mysterious, and seemingly miraculous processes. A dramatic breakthrough in science and cinematography, the Peabody® award-winning The Miracle of Life takes you on an incredible voyage through the human body as a new life begins. World-renowned Swedish photographer Lennart Nilsson presents a spectacular look at a microscopic world |
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Barbie Doll Case 2009 50th Anniversary Reproduction by Mattel Brand new for the 50th Anniversary of Barbie!! The reproduction of the original 1960's Barbie case! |
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