New research offers potential insight into the connection between cancer, obesity and longevity in humans by showing that genetically modified mice live longer, skinnier and almost cancer-free lives. There are quite a few differences between mice and humans, especially in regard to the type of fat that’s apparently affected by the genetic tweak, so there’s no way to know if the research could lead to benefits in humans. Even if medications based on the research are developed, no one knows what the side effects in people might be or their eventual cost.
