From Ants to Aging – and back: A Tribute To E.O. Wilson

This research/press release on aging issues caught my eye the other day:

Ants May Help Researchers Unlock Mysteries of Human Aging Process
November 20, 2008, NYU School of Medicine Researcher Receives Prestigious, Howard Hughes Institute of Medicine Collaborative Innovation Award

The report went on to note that NYU School of Medicine researcher Dr. Danny Reinberg was awarded a Howard Hughes Institute of Medicine Collaborative Innovation Award for new research on ant epigenetics- helping to unravel the impact lifestyle and environment have on genes. The research will investigate what ants can teach us about aging and behavior. Results of the ant study may translate to other species including humans, using gene regulation in ants as a model for aging.

“Ants live exceptionally long lives, they are social creatures, and they engage in stereotypical behaviors that befit their station in life, whether it be worker ant, soldier or queen,” said Dr. Reinberg, professor of Biochemistry at NYU School of Medicine’s Smilow Research Center.

“Ants seem to be a perfect fit for study about whether epigenetics influences behavior and aging.”

Hmmm… ants – interesting. Just when you thought the models for aging research might forever be associated with nematodes and our old friends from the family Drosophilidae – along come the ants.

But it is only fitting that ants show up on the landscape for aging research because it helps to make a curious connection to the human who has made a lifetime of studying the ant. I am referring to E.O. Wilson, and in my estimation one of the greatest scientists of out times. And speaking of ants – you need to see this magnificent literary creation:

The Superorganism The Beauty, Elegance, and Strangeness of Insect Societies By Bert Hölldobler and Edward O. Wilson 522 pages. W.W. Norton & Company. $55.

EDWARD O. WILSON
Pellegrino University Research Professor in Entomology for the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
U. S. A.

This man is a genius in our midst – and an exemplary role model for someone dedicated to understanding (and preserving) the whole of life – from the microscopic – to the entire planetary organism. As the NY Times has reported, “Though he celebrated his 79th birthday last month, Dr. Wilson is generating a storm of literary output that would be impressive for someone half his age. And he continues to be an active mentor, researcher and advocate in his profession and he still carries the youthful exuerberance of the young naturalist in Alabama – many years ago. His work with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and the Encyclopedia of Life will stand as the one of the most important testaments to both generativity and legacy – for future generations to come.

E.O. Wilson is a living treasure and although he has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, I would like to announce one more award – given our interest in aging issues -

The Rogue Scholarship in Aging Award Committee announces that the 2008 M.T. Cicero Award goes to E.O. Wilson for his scholarly achievements and his vibrant and active involvement in scientific discovery in the later years of life – and beyond.

From Ants to Aging – and back again.