Daniel Naumenko

Linking dietary ecology and oxidative stress in Wild Bornean Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether orangutan dietary ecology leads to oxidative stress. In most organisms, a balance exists between the accumulation of free radicals and defense mechanisms.  When free radical levels exceed defense mechanisms, the organism becomes oxidatively stressed. Oxidative stress has been shown to cause damage to the genome, including telomere shortening. Telomere shortening and cellular senescence have been linked to aging and age-related conditions.