The Science of Slowing Down Aging | WIRED
WIRED・8 minutes read
Aging can be controlled by monitoring biological age, which differs from chronological age, with senescent cells playing a role in the process. Epigenetic modifications can estimate biological age accurately, and lifestyle factors can help slow down aging, despite the current inability to reverse it entirely.
Insights
- Senescent cells, known as "zombie cells," are non-replicating cells that can accelerate aging and age-related diseases due to stress-induced damage.
- Biological age, distinct from chronological age, can be accurately estimated through epigenetic modifications, offering a potential means to control and understand the aging process through lifestyle interventions and future therapeutics.
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Recent questions
How can aging be controlled?
By lifestyle factors like moderate drinking and exercise.
What are senescent cells?
Cells that lose ability to replicate due to stress.
How is biological age estimated?
Through lab tests or epigenetic modifications.
Can an algorithm predict biological age?
Yes, based on epigenetics.
Is there a test to predict biological age?
Yes, involving spitting into a tube and sending it to a lab.
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Summary
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"Controlling Aging: Epigenetics and Lifestyle Factors"
- Aging is a process that can be controlled more than commonly believed, with biological age being distinct from chronological age.
- Senescent cells, often referred to as "zombie cells," are cells that lose the ability to replicate due to stress, potentially contributing to aging and age-related conditions.
- Biological age can be estimated through clinical data like lab tests or epigenetic modifications, with the latter measuring chemical modifications on specific genome sites.
- An algorithm based on epigenetics can predict biological age accurately, with a test available for consumers involving spitting into a tube and sending it to a lab.
- While reversing aging is not currently possible through cutting-edge science, lifestyle factors like moderate drinking, exercise, quality sleep, and stress management can help slow the aging process, with potential future therapeutics on the horizon.
