Can we live longer? Does Physics hold the key to the answer?
Physics may not be the first discipline to come to mind when DNA is mentioned, but scientists from the Leiden Institute of Physics, led by John van Noort, have discovered a novel structure of telomeric dna.
Longevity. Every cell in our body contains chromosomes, which contain genes that determine who we are. Telomeres protect genes at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres, like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces, protect DNA from fraying and damage. Every time a cell divides the telomeres get shorter. Eventually, when the Hayflick Limit has been reached, apoptosis, or programmed cell suicide, occurs.
Researchers behind the new discovery believe that it will improve our understanding of aging and age related diseases.
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