Tracking hurricane-induced aging in our genetic primate relatives Scienceline

Growing up in Houston, Marina Watowich was no stranger to hurricane seasons. This familiarity now drives Watowich’s research in genomics, where she seeks to understand how the environment affects the aging process. She isn’t studying aging in humans — but in a unique population of monkeys in Puerto Rico.

These monkeys live on an isolated island off Puerto Rico and give researchers unique access and insights into monkey genetics. In 2017, Hurricane Maria walloped Puerto Rico and tore down trees on the island where the monkeys live. After the storm, Watowich and colleagues discovered the primate survivors aged rapidly, findings that have implications for human aging after natural disasters.

Scienceline reporter Hannah Loss speaks with Watowich on her journey to uncover the aftermath of hurricanes on aging.

Also find the full story on Scienceline's website: https://scienceline.org/2022/08/aging-primates/

Sounds used:
Cyclone Hurricane Hugo 1989 by solostud | CC BY 3.0
Dj0287 via The Weather Channel
Tetana Adkins Mace via NBC News
Sloan's TV Airchive via KHOU TV
Cayo Santiago monkey sounds courtesy of Noah Snyder-Mackler