Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered the gene responsible for the effect that small exposure to oxidative conditions may actually offer protection from acute doses.

The finding may explain recent studies suggesting that eating less may, in fact, raise reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (which normally cause cellular damage to DNA, RNA and proteins), and in doing so, provide protection from acute doses of oxidants. This is counter to the hypothesis that caloric restriction extends lifespan in some species because it reduces ROS produced as a byproduct of the energy regenerated by mitochondria.