Energy Metabolism Laboratory, ETH Zurich ^{Research Labs}

They are interested in genetic pathways and environmental factors that modulate longevity. Besides other topics, they are particularly focused on the role played by mitochondria in lifespan regulation. In the past and contrary to the widely reiterated Free Radical Theory of Aging, they have repeatedly shown that the health-promoting effects associated with low caloric intake, physical exercise, sirtuins, impaired insulin/IGF-1 signaling, and other lifespan-extending interventions may be due to increased formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the mitochondria, causing a vaccination-like adaptive response that culminates in increased stress resistance and extended longevity, a process a. k. a. mitochondrial hormesis or mitohormesis.