The Methuselah Foundation Blog: Methuselah Foundation Newsletter, September 2009

Methuselah Foundation - Extending Healthy Human Life

MID TERM STRATEGY

The Spice of Life: Is Curcumin the Answer for Longevity?

This month we are introducing the last of the four newest Mprize competitors. Significant cash Prizes are awarded for Longevity, breaking the world record for the oldest-ever mouse, and Rejuvenation, the most successful late-onset rejuvenation of a mouse. The amount won is in proportion to the size of the fund and to the margin by which the previous record is broken. Bruce Teter is competing for the Mprize.

That yellow spice in your curry may add more than flavor. Bruce Teter is optimistic about the possibility that curcumin, which is the element of the spice turmeric that gives it its color, will extend the life of mice.

Methuselah Foundation was a catalyst in this intriguing study. Kevin Perrott, a Methuselah Foundation volunteer, heard Bruce Teter speak about curcumin and suggested that he contact Steven Spindler. Steve holds the Methuselah Foundation Mprize for rejuvenation. Steve and Bruce didn't know each other even though they are both researchers at the University of California, Bruce at Los Angeles and Steve in Riverside. As a result of this collaboration Bruce's idea is being put to the test.

Find out why Bruce thinks curcumin is the answer.

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Three Labs are Better than One

Recent news reports have announced the surprising and promising effects of rapamycin (August Newsletter), the first pharmaceutical known to extend healthy life in mice. Dr. Z. David Sharp's idea to test this drug on mice was simply a wish until he connected with ITP. ITP is the Interventions Testing Program of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This Program took Dave's ideas from concept to reality with efficiency and credibility.

The Interventions Testing Program is only 5 years old but already it has proven to provide a practical solution. According to Huber Warner, the founder of the program…

Read Huber's comments and learn more about the three test labs.

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NEAR TERM STRATEGY

Twelve Special Volunteers Needed

We are excited. Our near-term strategy to extend healthy life is about to become a real, live community wellness program loaded with features that make it an invaluable tool. We need your help. If you are experiencing a life threatening illness, as a patient, caregiver or supporter, become one of the first users of My Bridge 4 Life.

My Bridge 4 Life is a dynamic community program that guides you through the overwhelming natures of a life-threatening diagnosis by helping you divide it into manageable phases, set goals for each phase and build a wellness plan for life in the process. Along the way you'll receive (and give back) Tips 4 Life from an ever-expanding database of real-world wisdom.

As a beta Bridge Builder volunteer you will help us work out the kinks and, at the same time, you'll get to take full advantage of the great features of the program. We invite you to build a site (and we'll make it easy for you). Send an email to volunteer@methuselahfoundation.org and we'll answer your questions and get you started.

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A Unique Take on PSAs

Methuselah Foundation has created four Public Service Announcements. You'll see these unique, fun and decidedly different PSAs on web distribution channels Hulu and Vimeo. This image is from a 15 second spot, take a look and tell us what you think.

Click here to watch the video.

Featured Testimonial

The newest members of the 300 have this to share:

“It seems a cruel joke that just when we've finally lived long enough to become wise, we begin the great decline into physical and mental deterioration that eventually leads to death.”

The Royal-Gordon Family

Read More Testimonials

Methuselah Profile:
Scientific Advisory Board Member

Christiaan Leeuwenburgh Phd

“I am enthusiastic about all that is happening in research related to longevity and rejuvenation. There are several areas I am interested in pursuing further, all related to maintaining strong, healthy minds and bodies.”

Recognizing The

Last Call! Many thanks to our special group of donors, the 300. Responding to the Methuselah Foundation challenge to contribute $85 a month for 25 years, this farsighted group has made the progress you read about in this newsletter possible.

There are a few remaining slots left, join now and your donation will go to work immediately funding innovative technology that will change science forever.

As a 300 member you will receive advance notice of news and events, have the opportunity to participate in exclusive webinars, receive a monthly email from Dave Gobel and have the satisfaction of knowing your gift will result in extended healthy life for yourself, your family and all humanity.

More news on The 300 monument coming soon - join now and have your name and message included.

Follow the Mice

Recent changes to our website include updates on our Mprize Competitors. Follow the progress of the mice and get updates from the researchers on their latest work.