Abstract

Written by Caleb Finch, one of the leading scientists of our time, The Biology of Human Longevity: Inflammation, Nutrition, and Aging in the Evolution of Lifespans synthesizes several decades of top research on the topic of human aging and longevity particularly on the recent theories of inflammation and its effects on human health. The book expands a number of existing major theories, including the Barker theory of fetal origins of adult disease to consider the role of inflammation and Harmon's free radical theory of aging to include inflammatory damage. Future increases in lifespan are challenged by the obesity epidemic and spreading global infections which may reverse the gains made in lowering inflammatory exposure. This timely and topical book will be of interest to anyone studying aging from any scientific angle.

• Author Caleb Finch is a highly influential and respected scientist, ranked in the top half of the 1% most cited scientists
• Provides a novel synthesis of existing ideas about the biology of longevity and aging
• Incorporates important research findings from several disciplines, including Gerontology, Genomics, Neuroscience, Immunology, Nutrition

"Overall, this is a rich and timely book full of facts, figures, ideas and connections. Finch has generously referenced this work with 182 pages of literature citations, so it can also serve as an excellent reference volume. One wonders how he can keep producing such comprehensive books on so many diverse topics in aging research, and I hope he is not yet finished!"
Huber R. Warner, Associate Dean for Research University of Minnesota in The Gerontologist, March 2009
"...Finch arguably remains our most potent synthesizer of biology and gerontology. ...the intellectual framework Finch provides...will be intensely stimulating to both experts and newcomers in the field of aging."
Donna J. Holmes, Washington State University, Science Magazine, Vol 319, 22 Feb 2008
"This is a monumental book... The author is an internationally recognized leader in the field of biogerontology..."
--Dr. Leonid Gavrilov and Natalia S. Gavrilova, Center on Aging, University of Chicago, in Quarterly Review of Biology (March 1, 2008)