Flies, worms and the Free Radical Theory of ageing

► The Free Radical Theory (FRT) of ageing is most studied in invertebrates. ► Evidence for FRT driving ageing is stronger in Drosophila, weaker in C. elegans. ► Likely order of importance to ageing is oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, DNA. ► In intervention studies, oxidative damage has been measured too infrequently. ► Use inducible systems or drugs to avoid confounding developmental effects.