Key points from article :
Higher neural activity has a negative effect on longevity.
Expressed in many ways; a sudden change in mood, a facial twitch, and so on.
"An exciting future area of research...to such higher-order human brain functions," Bruce Yankner, co-author.
Didn't determine whether actual thinking had an impact on lifespan.
Studied the nervous systems of a range of animals, including humans, mice, and roundworm.
A protein called REST was the culprit behind high neural activity and faster aging.
Amplified the REST gene in roundworm and mice.
With more REST came quieter nervous systems, longer lifespans in both animal models.
Higher levels of REST proteins led to these increases in longevity.
Lower levels of activity connected to signaling by the hormones insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1.
This research offers targets for future research on longevity, possibly for the development of a longevity drug.
Research by Harvard Medical School published in the Journal Nature.
