Sunday, November 30, 2014
Young at Heart, Literally - Body Parts Age at Different Rates
Researchers have begun looking at how to measure the rate at which parts of our body age. This was done by looking at previous studies where tissue samples were taken from places such as the heart, lungs, liver, etc. They found that the patterns found in DNA markers of these tissue cells were designed in a way that the age of tissues would be successful. The methylation of DNA was correlated with the age of a cell, "the process by which methyl groups are added to or taken away from DNA to change it's expression." This statistical model was successful and accurate, and was tested with individuals and their own organs.
A process like this is really interesting. It can play a huge role in forensic science and identifying attackers or narrowing blood samples in a specific case. Also in finding risks in diseases or cancers early on. Researchers should continue this line of study because the reality is, it can be beneficial in a variety of ways down the road.
Main Article: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2013/10/22/young-at-heart-literally-body-parts-age-at-different-rates/
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This is a very interesting study because I had never really considered the fact that each part of our body ages at different rates. This can potentially lead to health strategies that can optimize health. BY knowing that a certain organ my weaken faster than others people can know what to prioritize.
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