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Based on the article provided, here are three key points regarding the longevity benefits of rapamycin and calorie restriction:
1. Longevity Benefits are a "Lottery"
While previous data suggested rapamycin and fasting were "sure bets" for extending life, a 2025 reanalysis of 167 papers across eight species (including monkeys and mice) shows that benefits are highly variable. Some individuals live much longer, while others see no increase in lifespan at all.
2. Failure to "Square the Curve"
Longevity researchers aim to "square the survival curve," a scenario where almost everyone lives to a very old age (e.g., 100) and then dies quickly. However, the latest research indicates that neither rapamycin nor dietary restriction successfully achieves this; they increase the average lifespan but don't ensure a reliably long life for the entire population.
3. Mechanism: Blocking the mTOR Protein
Originally an immunosuppressant for organ transplants, rapamycin works by blocking the mTOR protein, which is a master regulator of cell growth and division. At low doses, it is believed to protect against DNA damage, though experts like Matt Kaeberlein argue the more critical question is whether these interventions actually improve "healthspan" (years of healthy life) rather than just total lifespan.
Would you like me to explain more about the difference between lifespan and healthspan as discussed in the text?
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