Staying strong and vital well into old age: The cover story of the February issue of BILD DER SCIENCE is dedicated to so-called longevity. In order to get closer to this human dream, researchers are increasingly looking for clues in our genome. In addition to the successes of geriatric medicine, there are also false hopes and questionable approaches to the goal of healthy aging.
In the first article of the four-part title topic “Longevity”, BDW author Frank Frick reports on research into the central aspects of the aging process: genetics and the damage to the genome over the course of life. Insights into the connections have emerged, among other things, through studies of the life expectancy of tiny nematodes. The aim of the research is to improve natural DNA repair mechanisms so that people can live longer, healthy lives, according to the article “The frailty of the genome”.
The BDW author Susanne Donner then reports on the search for active ingredients or therapies that can slow down aging processes or prevent the typical diseases in mature years. The so-called geriatric medicine has led to interesting approaches. There could therefore be some potential in certain substances or blood rejuvenation processes. However, a lot of research is still needed to confirm the safety and long-term effects of potential anti-aging measures, writes the author in the article “The Daily Dose”.
Rejuvenation hype and aging monkeys
The third article then sheds a more critical light on the topic of anti-aging and opposes exaggerated hopes. Frank Frick makes it clear that the term longevity represents more of a hype than a soon-to-be-achieved goal. This becomes clear, for example, in the modest success of a super-rich man with his dream of the fountain of youth, reports the author in the article “Revolution or Intoxication?”
The cover story is rounded off with a look at our animal relationships: BDW author Roman Goergen reports on the now complete decoding of the reference genomes of chimpanzees and five other great ape species. Since humans have a comparatively long life expectancy, researchers hope that the genetic insights will provide clues to the causes of aging processes. They are already tracking down interesting differences in the genetic makeup of humans and their relatives, according to the article “Aging Monkeys”.
You can read the articles on the cover topic “Longevity” online as part of a bdw+ subscription, or you can find them in the February issue of BILD DER SCIENCE, which will be available in stores from January 16th.