Aging : theories and potential therapies
(Book - Regular Print)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 141-146) and index.

The New Biology offers an intriguing overview of the latest technologies in the study of living organisms, using straightforward language and striking line illustrations and photographs. Since the phrase was coined three decades ago, new biology has come to include nuclear transfer technology (animal cloning), recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy, important advances that are all explored in this set. Aging tackles all aspects of this fascinating subject, from natural processes to technological developments, and describes past and present research into extending the human life span. Author Joseph Panno discusses scientists' attempts to understand the aging process and how their resulting theories, many generated from the studies of the fruit fly and housefly, have provided a basis of knowledge in the field of gerontology. The recent trend in gerontology, the study of the mechanisms of the aging process, is to search for genes that have a demonstrable effect on life span, the so-called longevity genes. Scientists have discovered a number of these genes, providing valuable insight into the cellular mechanisms of aging that may lead to the development of truly effective antiaging therapies. Panno examines not only the use of hormone therapy and antioxidants, including other possible ways to reverse the effects of aging, but also their side effects and monetary investments. In a clear and concise manner, this volume presents the efforts, progress, and realities of this intriguing topic. Aging includes an index, a glossary of terms, a helpful list of Internet resources, and an array of historical and recent print sources. Keyed to topics not always covered in science classes, The New Biology set is essential for young readers who require information on contemporary issues in biology. There are almost as many theories about the aging process as there are researchers working in the field. This stems from the fact that scientists do not know why animals grow old and examine every aspect of an animal's physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology in attempting to answer this important question. The current trend among biologists studying the way animals grow old is to keep the theories in mind, but to focus their attention on dominant age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's or cardiovascular disease. This new volume in The New Biology set tackles the fascinating subject of aging, from natural processes to technological developments, and descibes past and present research into extending the human life span. Different theories about aging and the studies of the fruit fly and housefly, which have provided a basis of knowledge in this field, are presented in a clear and concise manner. The use of hormone therapy is explored as a possible way to reverse the effects of aging, the use of antioxidants is discussed as another area being pursued by scientists seeking to find the key to extending the human life span, and possible side effects and monetary expenses are also examined. Aging presents the full story about the hopes, efforts, progress, and realities of this timeless topic.