Another commenter pointed out that one of the paper's authors, Valter Longo, has already written a number of books on intermittent fasting. While I think it's great when scientist publish in a form that is more accessible to the public, it's important to note that he was strongly invested in promoting intermittent fasting prior to this research being done, even to the point of selling a $300 mail order diet.
I think the reason this "entirely unexciting" study is getting attention is related to one of its author's having a talent for self-promotion.
I think the reason this "entirely unexciting" study is getting attention is related to one of its author's having a talent for self-promotion.