Enhanced longevity and age-related macular degeneration are twointerrelated projects of particular importance to Webb-Waring.

Over the past several years, the Institute has developed an unusual strain of rats that is resistant to the lethal effects of breathing 100% oxygen. The rats live longer and have a greater capacity for exercise than the control group. We are evaluating the fundamental genetic responses that appear responsible for these remarkable results. Our objective is to identify and enhance these longevity responses in human subjects.

In one out of every six individuals, aging leads to loss of vision. The most common ocular disease is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). There is effectively no treatment for this severe abnormality. We are searching for blood factors that may allow us to predict ARMD and we are seeking ways to determine when and how quickly the disease is progressing. We have collected preliminary data suggesting that augmenting a specific antioxidant defense system may be protective.