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Health, Science

The Secret of Eternal Youth

Ever feel like you’re getting old? In the news this week it was announced that he typical age for experiencing a mid-life crisis is 35! If that’s you, spare a thought for Walter Breuning, the world’s oldest man recently celebrated his 114th Birthday. Today’s blog looks at whether science can ever beat aging…

Introducing the Nobel Prizes

Three months after Walter Breuning was born, Alfred Nobel died and gave birth to the greatest scientific accolade in the world: the Nobel Prize. Having amassed a huge wealth from his most successful product dynamite,  Alfred felt rather guilty for inventing something that let people blow each other up. He set up the Nobel Prize fund for celebrate people who did positive things for the sake of humanity. To earn one you must be someone who represents “the greatest benefit to mankind”. When I was doing medical research as a student, I dreamt that one day I might earn one. Were I ever to be successful, I would join the ranks of Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandella and Marie Curie (awards also go for literature and peace as well as science subjects).

Almost as exciting as waiting for X-Factor results… this year’s Nobel Prizes will be announced shortly (You can watch the announcements LIVE over the web here from Monday 4th October). Held annually in early October, they represent the greatest accolade any scientist could achieve.

 Last year’s winners were a group of scientists who helped to unlock the key to why we grow old. Their discoveries may in the future mean we never need show the signs of aging!

Wish you could look always look young and beautiful like Jennifer Aniston?

“Here comes the science bit…”

We grow old because of our DNA: tiny little strands in the cells of our body that keep our genetic information. DNA is like a blueprint, and everyone’s is slightly different. It’s what makes you unique and unlike anyone else in the world. Unfortunately over time our DNA gets worn out and damaged. When this happens we start to show the signs of aging (skin wrinkles, weaker muscles, etc)

So, how do I stop growing old?

Parts of our body are constantly repairing and replacing themselves. This happens microscopically as our cells replace themselves; new for old. Nearly every part of us has been replaced since the day we were born! Every time a cell replaces itself, the precious genetic code (DNA) gets copied. And just like taking a photocopy – the copy is never quite as good as the original.

Notice how the photocopy is never quite as good as the original?

Last year’s Nobel Prize winners for Medicine were Blackburn, Greider and Szostak. They discovered that DNA has a way to reduce this aging damage. They discovered protective ‘caps’ on the ends of the DNA; similar to plastic tips on shoe laces. These ‘plastic tips’ were called ‘telomeres’.

Like shoelaces, DNA has 'plastic tips' to stop them fraying

Sadly, the ‘telomeres’ get worn out. So when you’re 40-something, they’re already wearing out, and the signs of aging start to appear. Scientists are currently working on ways to stop them wearing out. If they can do it (by a pill or supplement) then we could expect to live an extra 30 years!

If scientists are successful, you can bin your anti-aging creams

But it could get even better. Some experts believe that with scientific advances we could completely stop all DNA wear and tear. If successful it is predicted we may be able to live for 1,000 years!

1,000 years! That’s a long time..

Is getting old such a bad thing? I am actually looking forward to having a few grey hairs! If you don’t like the idea of growing old, perhaps this poem will make you smile:

God grant me the senility
to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do,
and the eyesight to tell the difference.

 

Keep up to date with the Nobel Prize at: http://nobelprize.org/

In a more recent post you can find out about the alternative ‘Nobel Prizes’!

For more humorous poems on aging: click here

 

About Stuart Farrimond

I love writing about science and health subjects. Strange, because I also teach the same things. I trained as a medical doctor before turning my hand to other things. Shortlisted for The Guardian/Observer for Science Writer of the Year 2011 and editor for Guru Magazine I also like to grow large pumpkins...

Discussion

4 thoughts on “The Secret of Eternal Youth

  1. What it means to live for multiple generations is quite a consideration. The knowledge one person could amass in their lifetime(s) would be ponderous…….there is an article about eternal youth legends at the Once Upon a Time: World of Symbols blog.

    Posted by Symbolseeker | December 30, 2011, 7:38 pm

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Pingback: Scientific Proof: Why stress gives you grey hairs! | Doctor Stu's Science Blog - November 13, 2010

  2. Pingback: Update: The Secret of Eternal Youth - Scientists actually reverse the aging process! | Doctor Stu's Science Blog - November 30, 2010

  3. Pingback: Chinese Secret of Youth - Qigong | - September 17, 2011

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