Understanding how certain rhesus macaques live longer and healthier lives
Official title: Exceptional Longevity and Biobehavioral Aging in Rhesus Macaques
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10883735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at older rhesus monkeys to find out what helps them live longer and healthier lives, so we can learn more about how to stay well as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG081998-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological and behavioral factors that contribute to longevity and healthy aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in aging research or those not engaged in health-promoting behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique characteristics of rhesus macaques that exhibit exceptional longevity, aiming to identify the biobehavioral health factors that contribute to a longer, healthier life. By studying these monkeys, researchers hope to uncover insights into cognitive engagement, stress coping mechanisms, and health-promoting decisions that can enhance well-being as they age. The study will involve creating a new tool to survey these factors in both long-lived and control monkeys at the California National Primate Research Center. This approach leverages a large population of aging non-human primates to draw parallels with human aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing healthspan and quality of life in both humans and animals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in studying longevity in non-human primates, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinnally, Erin Loraine — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Kinnally, Erin Loraine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.