The Laboratory Investigation of Stress Factors (LIFE) has developed a long-standing expertise in metabolism, molecular biology and physiology of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At LIFE, we are currently working on the response of S. cerevisiae to stress conditions. We have focused our interest on the mechanism by which yeasts acquire tolerance to oxidative stress, which has been linked to diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and to the aging process. Because of the universal response of the stress, further insight into the response of S. cerevisiae will improve our understanding of defense mechanisms from microorganisms to man and, consequently, the necessary foundation for practical applications.