A new study on how Cape ground squirrels live in the wild is revealing the effects of social stress on ageing. The research has potential to help understand ageing mechanisms in humans as well.
In many animal species, group living can bring various benefits such as reduced predation risk, as well as many threats such as increased disease transmission. Little research has been conducted regarding the stress-related costs of group living on health and life, especially in the wild.
Further details: Insights into group living shed light on ageing mechanisms