RESEARCH INTERESTS: A major puzzle in biology is why some species live short lives with rapid physical decay and others live much longer, senescing slowly. Attempting to identify the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that account for such species differences is the basis of Dr. Austad's research in comparative biogerontology. A second interest of the laboratory is in development methods for the assessment of animal healthspan, so that the impact on health (as well as longevity) of potential senescence-retarding therapies can be investigated.