'Senescence' is the state or process of aging. The word senescence is derived from the Latin word senex, meaing "old man" or "old age."
Cellular senescence refers to a phenomena where isolated cells demonstrate a limited ability to divide in culture. Organismal senescence refers to the aging of organisms.
Organismal aging is generally characterized by the declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance and increased risk of disease. Because of this, death is the ultimate consequence of aging.
Genetic and environmental interventions are known to affect the life span of model organsims. This gives many hope that human aging can be slowed or changed. Dietary calorie restriction, by 30 percent for example, extends the life span of yeast, worms, flies, mice, and monkeys. Several genes are known to be necessary for this extension, and modification of these genes is also sufficient to produce the same effect as diet.
Long-Lived Costa Ricans Offer Secrets to Reaching 100 National Geographic - April 14, 2008
'Long-life' genes found in 100-year-old humans New Scientist - March 3, 2008
Scientists can tell date of birth by looking into eyes Telegraph.co.uk - February 26, 2008
The towns where people live the longest BBC - February 20, 2008
Skin ageing 'reversed' in mice BBC - November 30, 2007
The Mysteries of Mental Age Wired - February 8, 2007
Mayo Clinic Researchers Identify Gene Regulating Aging And Fertility Science Daily - July 2004
Longevity Evolved Late For Humans Science Daily - July 2004
A dramatic increase in human longevity took place during
the early Upper Paleolithic Period, around 30,000 B.C.
Premature aging secret unlocked BBC - May 2004
Measuring the tiny mechanisms in cells which hold the key to ageing revealed BBC - January 20, 2003
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