Signs of the times: How human organs age differently
A look at the different aging processes and their effects on our health. Age is complex and cannot be expressed in a single number. Two people of the same age can be very different – one healthy, the other sick or suffering from chronic conditions. Even within the human body, age cannot be uniform. Some […]
Can we increase our life expectancy? Science provides answers
Genes alone are not decisive for a longer life; a healthy lifestyle and risk avoidance play a crucial role. Life expectancy and longevity are fascinating topics that relate to various aspects of human life. A long life is not solely determined by genetic predisposition. Science shows that a healthy lifestyle and the avoidance of risk […]
The role of autophagy in muscle health
New ways to keep our muscles strong even in old age Autophagy, or cell cleansing, is a crucial mechanism in cell maintenance that creates a balance between degradation and renewal. While excess autophagy can increase tissue degeneration, a lack of autophagy also contributes to degenerative processes. The interaction between the AMPK metabolic pathway, which promotes autophagy, and […]
The role of AI in extending healthspan
Artificial intelligence is making exponential progress, which can lead to amazing results. Until a few years ago, the idea of halting and reversing aging was not considered “real science”; rather, it was viewed as an inevitable and permanent part of human existence. It was not a disease, but rather a susceptibility to disease that increases […]
What needs to be done before aging becomes curable
Large-scale survey highlights challenges to advancing longevity research The desire to extend human lifespan and promote healthier aging has evolved from a science fiction scenario to a tangible scientific goal. In recent years, advances in longevity research have fueled optimism that aging can be effectively combated in our lifetime. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome […]
The fantastic, uncertain future of epigenetic clocks
What role will epigenetic clocks play in measuring and intervening in aging processes? Steve Horvath doesn’t like the term “anti-aging.” The father of modern epigenetic clocks has sparked a new boom in slowing, halting, and even reversing aging. If you google the term “anti-aging,” you’ll get pages of results teeming with wrinkle creams, dietary supplements, […]
What exactly are microRNAs (miRNAs)?
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules with a length of about 18 to 25 nucleotides. They play a crucial role in gene regulation (epigenetics) by inhibiting the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) or promoting its degradation. In this way, they influence numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and development. Biosynthesis of microRNAs […]
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients (also known as secondary plant compounds) are bioactive compounds found in plants that give them color, flavor, and protection from pests. Although they are not essential for humans like vitamins or minerals, they have numerous health benefits. Important groups of phytonutrients and their effects Carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene) Found in: carrots, tomatoes, spinach Effect: […]
Stress and epigenetics
The relationship between stress and its effects on the epigenetics of an individual human organism now plays an extremely important role in research. Stress can cause profound epigenetic changes that influence our gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes play a central role in stress management and can have long-term effects on mental and […]