This article concludes our series on the Hallmarks of Aging and on the ways science may be able to influence them. Earlier in the series, we introduced the topic in an overview of the rejuvenation field, and then explored specific mechanisms in articles on genetic and epigenetic changes, protein quality control, mitochondria, and cellular senescence, and autophagy, metabolism, and stem cells. Here we focus on the final three: altered intercellular communication, chronic low-grade inflammation, and dysbiosis.
We continue to explore the causes of aging in the body, known as the hallmarks of aging, and how humanity can already influence them today in an attempt to achieve rejuvenation. Earlier, we looked at the general concept of the hallmarks of aging, as well as what can already be done about aging-related causes connected with DNA damage, telomere shortening, and epigenetic alterations, and loss of protein quality control, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence.
Aging had long appeared to be a slow wear and tear of everything at once. As we previously mentioned, it is increasingly described today as a set of specific malfunctions that can be measured and partly corrected in animal experiments. This article looks at what can already be done about aging associated with such hallmarks as protein quality control, mitochondrial function (the cell’s power plants), and the accumulation of senescent cells – those that have stopped dividing and functioning for the benefit of the organism yet continue to damage the surrounding environment. These processes reinforce one another.
Most age-related diseases — from cancer to neurodegeneration — connect back to one core problem: over time, cells get worse at storing their DNA safely and using it correctly. In the “Hallmarks of Aging” framework(which we discussed here), researchers highlight three aging processes that sit right on top of our genetic material: DNA damage, telomere shortening, and epigenetic drift, when the settings that control gene activity get noisy.
The word “rejuvenation” covers everything from cosmetics and supplements to lab work that tries to change how cells age — and, in turn, how age-related disease risk builds up. This article is a short guide to the science-backed version of that conversation: what geroscience is, what the Hallmarks of Aging are, and why investors are pouring billions into the space.
OpenAI has officially introduced ChatGPT Health — a new feature within the ChatGPT platform that allows users to securely connect personal health and medical data to conversations with AI. The product is designed to help users better understand test results, prepare for medical appointments, and receive more personalized health-related answers, without replacing professional medical care.