A genetic mutation that keeps the proteinmaking machinery of these tiny organisms from making mistakes can extend life span in flies, worms, and yeast engineered to have the same DNA change, researchers have found. The discovery suggests errors in protein synthesis may be an important driver of aging—and a target for future drugs that promote healthier aging.

The study is a “paradigm shift” in how we think about the causes of aging, says Vera Gorbunova, a molecular biologist at the University of Rochester who was not involved. “[It] improves our understanding of what’s important for longer life span.”

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