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The connection between rapamycin and longevity, however, was only established in 2009 when studies on older mice illustrated increases in lifespan—14% for females and 9% for males—when administered rapamycin. This finding prompted further research, revealing even greater longevity benefits in younger mice and reinforcing hopes for human applications.
The Science Behind Rapamycin
As researchers dove deeper into rapamycin's mechanisms, they discovered its capacity to inhibit a vital growth pathway known as mTORC1, which is associated with numerous age-related diseases. Intermittent caloric restriction, fasting, and exercise are natural ways to inhibit mTORC1, but rapamycin does so directly.