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April 9, 2006
Miscommunications Re: Mice
One of the central themes, as it turns out, of my involvement with the CR Society, the Mprize, SENS, and life-extension in general, has been miscommunications on the topic of mice. This conference was no exception.
For example, Friday at lunch, famous gerontologist Caleb Finch was speculating on regional differences in diets. The Great Luigi Fontana mentioned that not all traditional Mediterranean diets have been healthy. For instance, well into the middle of the last century, Northern Italian peasants' diets were dominated by large amounts of mice.
MR and I were most confused. "They eat mice?" we asked. "Yes, mice," said Dr. Fontana.
We looked at each other. We were not aware that Italian peasants, until the last forty years or so, subsisted almost entirely on mice.
"Ground-up mice. They make it into polenta," explained Dr. Fontana.
Mouse polenta. Where can I get some? What kind of CR friendly version of that can Miss Tenacity design?
M-A-I-Z-E. That's what Luigi, in his adoreable Italian accent, was trying to say.
"In this country, we call it corn."
Miscommunication resolved. Italians did not eat a diet consisting primarily of mice.
The topic of mice came up again and again, as you might expect when much of the data that convinces us to restrict our calories comes from rodent experiments. Dr. Steven Austad, who presented on the many reasons why he thinks CR might *not* work, catches wild mice himself. I found this fascinating. He goes all over the world catching mice in live traps, then breeds three generations of wild mice on whom to do CR experiments. The photos of his mice were adoreable. If you have a mouse problem, Steve Austad may be the guy to call.
I, for one, have no intention of handling mice. Luigi handles human subjects, and finds time and time again that the CR'd humans have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those eating the Standard American Diet. No big shock there. I'm thinking of participating in Luigi's study -- all those free tests! -- if I can possibly swing the time off from work.
I'm so sad that the conference has ended. MR and I will fly home tomorrow, and I'm grateful that I had much of today to spend with the incredibly fun Miss Tenacity and the divine Robert K. It's amazing to hang out with fellow CR freaks who believe that the future is worth living for.
Posted by april at April 9, 2006 4:36 PM
Comments
Hey, I've been reading about CR for a few months, done a little experimenting on my own, read a few books and just finished The Longevity Diet by you know who. I'm looking through your blog but have some basic ??s about you I can't figure - just to put some of this in perspective? I see you're so busy so if you have a link to a faq about you that'd be great.
Specifically I was wondering what your age, height & job are and what "MR" does. I am 31, 4' 10" and 113 (just had a baby a few mos ago) and I work as a critical care tech/EMT in the ER in my town.
Thanks, K
Posted by: K C at April 9, 2006 9:45 PM
I sure wish I could have gone and gotten a chance to meet everyone in person and get the extra CR motivation that comes from being immersed in the subject! As it was, my weekend was blah and non CR'ed. Oh well, I'm back at it today . . .
Posted by: Amy Wright at April 10, 2006 6:37 AM
From April's mom-- April is also 31. I'm sure she'll answer you soon. I'm having surgery soon, and I'm looking forward to her cooking for me in the early days of my recovery.
Posted by: Marti at April 10, 2006 12:45 PM
April, just wanted to let you know that I have a blog again. Just not a CR blog.
Jessica.
Plus- again- *thanks* for keeping yours up and running. Its so helpful to me.
Did you see 'granny's got a vibrator'?
Posted by: Jessica at April 10, 2006 1:18 PM
Great Mouse story!
Maybe this is one that should be submitted to the CRS Newletter.
Go April! Your Blog is very entertaining and informative as well! Someday it should be published as a book!
Great CR Conference!
Cheers!
Joe Bossuyt - Tucson
Posted by: Joe Bossuyt at April 10, 2006 10:17 PM