T
twilyth
Guest
This is actually pretty old news since we've known about telomerase for quite a while - 2 decades at least.
On the end of each chromosome there are long repeating sequences of DNA. This section is called the telomere. When a cell divides, the mechanism that copies the DNA doesn't copy the entire telomere. So with each division, the telomere gets progressively shorter.
At a certain point, the telomere is so short that it reaches what is called the Hayflick limit. At that point, the cell becomes senescent or it's internal self destruct mechanism (apoptosis) is initiated.
The idea is that if you could induce cells to make telomerase, the enzyme that rebuilds telomeres, you could prolong life and possibly prevent aging.
Scientists discover the secret to a long life... but it's only your dog that will benefit
On the end of each chromosome there are long repeating sequences of DNA. This section is called the telomere. When a cell divides, the mechanism that copies the DNA doesn't copy the entire telomere. So with each division, the telomere gets progressively shorter.
At a certain point, the telomere is so short that it reaches what is called the Hayflick limit. At that point, the cell becomes senescent or it's internal self destruct mechanism (apoptosis) is initiated.
The idea is that if you could induce cells to make telomerase, the enzyme that rebuilds telomeres, you could prolong life and possibly prevent aging.
Scientists discover the secret to a long life... but it's only your dog that will benefit
A team of scientists claims that it may have the secret to a longer life - but so far the treatment is only suitable for pets.
The potential cure for age is a drug which protects telomeres, sections of DNA long thought to be the key to the ageing process.
However, the treatment is not yet considered safe for humans, and may first be tested on dogs and cats by being added to pet food.