The National Institute on Aging (NIA) announced a new resource for investigators in the field of aging research, designed to facilitate the use of non-human primates in aging research.  The NIA Primate Aging Database (PAD) was developed for NIA by NORC to collect data on normal aging in a wide range of species. 

Blood chemistry measurements and body weight data have been collected from primate colonies across the country.  The data is coded and the database currently has approximately 400,000 data points.  The data can be used by the research community to identify changes in biological parameters with age, to validate models for aspects of human aging, and to perform comparative analyses.  It will also be a valuable resource for veterinary staff caring for aged non-human primates.  The database is available on a secure internet server that requires password-protected access.  The home page has a link to request access, as well as a description of the database.

NOTE: Access is restricted to investigators and veterinarians in academic and commercial laboratories with interests in aging research.