Today, Explained Long live your dog
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Dec 13, 2023 
Join Emily Mullen, a Wired Magazine staff writer specializing in biotechnology, and Rebecca Walker, a professor of social medicine and philosophy at UNC Chapel Hill, as they dive into groundbreaking research on a new drug promising to extend the lifespan of large-breed dogs. They discuss the science behind canine longevity and the important ethical dilemmas surrounding pet medicine. The conversation shifts to prioritizing animal welfare over human desires, questioning what it truly means to enhance the lives of our furry companions.
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Life Extension Research
- Scientists have long studied life extension, starting with identifying genes in worms.
- Studies in various animals show certain genes regulate lifespan.
Dog Size and Lifespan
- Loyal's drug targets large dog breeds due to their shorter lifespans compared to smaller breeds.
- The IGF-1 hormone, linked to growth, is higher in large dogs and lower in small dogs.
IGF-1 and Aging
- High IGF-1 levels in large dogs might cause faster aging.
- Loyal's drug aims to reduce IGF-1 to medium-sized dog levels, not eliminate it.