The Science of Slowing Down Aging | WIRED

WIRED2 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.
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