Is there a way to be forever young?

• Position: Old Age - Brief article

Like a beloved pair of jeans, human DNA accumulates damage over time, and older people's bodies cannot repair it as well. Many scientists believe a build-up of damage can cause cells to enter an irreversible dormant state known as senescence. Cellular senescence is believed to be responsible for some of the telltale signs of aging, such as weakened bones, less-resilient skin, and slowdowns in organ function.

DNA damage also seems to play a role in conditions called progerias, which cause premature aging. Progeria patients have mutations in genes responsible for DNA damage repair. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, have pinpointed a molecular link among DNA damage, cellular senescence, and premature aging.

Finding the key players could lead to therapeutic targets for counteracting some of the negative effects of progerias and perhaps even forestalling the effects of natural aging.

The study takes a closer look at the chemical messenger...