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What controls the tips of our chromosomes?

A study published in EMBO Journal has discovered the key aspect of regulating telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes. The research team found that the protein complex CST is responsible for maintaining telomeres, and a chemical modification regulates its S component, allowing telomere duplication and elongation.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 27, 2019

FSU researcher: Unfair treatment by police linked to physiological impacts among black men

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found a strong link between unfair treatment by police and telomere length, a biological indicator of psychological stress, among black men. Telomeres were shorter for those reporting unfair treatment, and the link was more pronounced in black men.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 18, 2018

Diseased heart muscle cells have abnormally shortened telomeres, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that people with cardiomyopathy have abnormally short telomeres in their heart muscle cells. This finding opens the door to new research and drug discovery, potentially allowing for the identification of individuals at risk for heart failure due to genetic defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Traffic noise may make birds age faster

A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that traffic noise may contribute to aging in Zebra finches, with birds exposed after fledging having shorter telomeres. The researchers suggest that this period is critical for song learning and development, making birds more sensitive to noise.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateAug 27, 2018

Healthy diet linked to healthy cellular aging in women

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy cellular aging in women. The researchers used telomere length as a measure of cellular aging and found that higher diet quality indices were associated with longer telomeres.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 20, 2018

Researchers discover key mechanism of DNA replication

The team found that telomeres are regulated by proteins, including Taz1, which tether internal regions to the telomeres. This process ensures faithful duplication of genetic material. Better understanding of this mechanism may inform research into maintaining genetic information and preventing diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 16, 2018

Genome wide association study of epigenetic aging rates in blood reveals a critical role for TERT

Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 10,000 people and found gene variants associated with intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration. Variants in the TERT gene were linked to older epigenetic aging rates and longer telomeres, highlighting its critical role in regulating the epigenetic clock.

Aging tests yield varying results

Researchers compared 11 measures of aging, including blood and chromosome tests, and found that none consistently predicted physical or cognitive changes. Telomere length and epigenetic clocks showed some promise but were less clearly linked to physiological outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2017

Harvard-Osher integrative medicine's mind-body partnership with JACM

The Harvard-Osher Center for Integrative Medicine has partnered with The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) to showcase cutting-edge mind-body research. Recent studies explored the impact on telomere length, group-based clinical interventions, and electronic apps for veterans' mental health.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

Researchers develop technology to make aged cells younger

Scientists at Houston Methodist have developed a technology that can rejuvenate human cells by lengthening telomeres, the timekeepers of chromosomes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cell function and extend lifespan in individuals with progeria, a rare condition marked by rapid aging.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 2017

Risk for bipolar disorder associated with faster aging

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder may experience faster biological aging. The study found that patients treated with lithium had longer telomeres, which could help reverse age-related changes. This association may explain the higher rates of aging-related diseases among bipolar disorder patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

Sex obsession a killer for male snakes

A study of red-sided garter snakes reveals that males who prioritize mating over self-preservation age faster and die earlier than females. Females, on the other hand, maintain their body condition with age, allowing them to live longer lives and reproduce more effectively.

Longer telomeres may shield mice from age-related human diseases

A recent study found that longer telomeres in mice may shield them from age-related human diseases. Researchers used mice with shortened telomeres to examine a genetic defect causing an age-associated congenital heart disease in humans. The findings suggest that decreasing telomere length contributes to the onset of age-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 27, 2017

The Goldilocks effect in aging research

Scientists found that a balance of telomere elongation and trimming in stem cells is necessary for optimal telomere length. Over-elongated telomeres accumulate DNA damage and can lead to cancer. The study deepens understanding of stem cell biology and has implications for regenerative medicine and aging research.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 5, 2016