anti-aging tagged posts

Irina M. Bochkis, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, has made a new discovery that could let us prevent or cure diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease — and possibly let us turn back the clock on aging itself. Credit: Dan Addison, University of Virginia Communications

How would we do it? By using viruses as tiny aestheticians. A new discovery about the effects of aging in our cells could allow doctors to cure or prevent diabetes, fatty liver disease and other metabolic diseases – and possibly even turn back the clock on aging itself. The new finding from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that fatty liver disease and other unwanted effects of aging may be the result of our cells’ nuclei getting wrinkly...

This figure depicts the enzyme telomerase as well as telomeres relative to a chromosome.

Can we stay young forever, or even recapture lost youth? Can we stay young forever, or even recapture lost youth? Research from the laboratory of Professor Julian Chen in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University recently uncovered a crucial step in the telomerase enzyme catalytic cycle. This catalytic cycle determines the ability of the human telomerase enzyme to synthesize DNA “repeats” (specific DNA segments of six nucleotides) onto chromosome ends, and so afford immortality in cells. Understanding the underlying mechanism of telomerase action offers new avenues toward effective anti-aging therapeutics.

Typical human cells are mortal and cannot forever renew themselves...

1. Schematic model of miR-29 action in brain aging. During aging an accumulation of iron in neurons occurs. This induces expression of miR-29 that in turn represses expression of IRP-2 thereby limiting iron uptake. This mechanism counteracts aging-related damages. MiR-29 may also counteract effects aging-related phenotypes by additional mechanisms, for example modulation of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members
2. MiR-29 is up-regulated with age in neurons. a Genomic organization of miR-29 family in N. furzeri.

The older we get, our brain ages. Cognitive abilities decline and the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or having a stroke steadily increases...

An extract of willow bark has shown to be one of the most potent longevity-extending pharmacological interventions yet described in scientific literature.

A new Concordia-Idunn Technologies research collaboration provides insights into how 6 groups of molecules can slow biological aging. For the study, the research team combed through Idunn Technologies’ extensive biological library, conducting more than 10,000 trials to screen for plant extracts that would increase the chronological lifespan of yeast.

Why yeast? Cellularly speaking, aging progresses similarly in both yeast and humans. It’s the best cellular model to understand how the anti-aging process takes place...