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Aging

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
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Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...

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Mammal Aging is Controlled by an Evolvability-Based Adaptive Program.

Theodore C Goldsmith¹

¹Azinet LLC, Annapolis, USA. TGoldsmith@azinet.com.

Biochemistry. Biokhimiia

|January 30, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Aging evolved in mammals, not as a biological clock, but as an adaptive mechanism. This programmed aging can sense environmental conditions and adjust to optimize survival, offering new targets for age-related disease research.

Keywords:

ageing aging theories anti-aging medicine evolution evolvability programmed aging senescence

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Gerontology
Genetics

Background:

Aging was previously considered an impossible evolutionary trait.
Modern evolutionary concepts like group selection suggest aging can evolve if beneficial for populations.
Genetic discoveries indicate aging provides population-level advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

To present evidence for aging as a programmed, adaptive mechanism rather than a fixed biological clock.
To explore the implications of adaptive programmed aging for medical research.

Main Methods:

Theoretical analysis of evolutionary mechanics concepts (group selection, evolvability).
Review of genetic discoveries related to aging.
Presentation of evidence and theoretical basis for adaptive aging control.

Main Results:

Aging programs evolved in mammals due to population-level advantages.
Programmed aging is controlled by an adaptive mechanism, not solely a biological clock.
This adaptive mechanism senses and adjusts aging based on environmental conditions.

Conclusions:

Aging is an evolved, adaptive trait regulated by environmental sensing.
The adaptive nature of aging offers novel intervention points for age-related diseases.
Understanding this mechanism is crucial for future medical research in gerontology.