What Factors Contribute to Aging and Death in the Human Body?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the biological mechanisms contributing to aging and mortality. Key factors include the shortening of DNA telomeres, which limits cell division, and the accumulation of DNA mutations over a lifetime that can lead to cellular dysfunction. Additionally, the presence of plaque in arteries and the brain is highlighted as a significant factor that compromises longevity. Overall, the interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and organ failure plays a crucial role in determining lifespan.
EpiGen
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Does anybody know what mechanisms in the human body contribute to the wear and tear that comes with aging, and eventually lead to death? I know that DNA telomers shortening is one. What are some others? Maybe the accumulation of DNA mutations throughout a lifetime? Thanks!
 
Biology news on Phys.org
careful choice of parents is extremely important!..gotta get them good genes!(:

plaque in arteries and brain compromises long life.

I guess it comes down to genes and their mutations at birth, assaults by environment, and those shortening telomeres.Depending on which organ or organs begin to fail and the resulting cascade to other systems determines length of life.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Flesh-eating New World Screwworm re-occurrence in US'

Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/ Exclusive: U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-confirms-nations-first-travel-associated-human-screwworm-case-connected-2025-08-25/...
View full post »

Thread 'Chagas disease now established in US'

Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
View full post »

Thread 'I need help understanding this quote about recent Natural Selection'

I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Can current gene editing technologies reverse age related mutations?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Can we mimic Turreptosis cellular reversal in humans?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why Apes and Humans don't have Tails
Replies
8
Views
3K
Is modern medicine causing human genetic degeneration?
Replies
19
Views
6K
What are the 3 main factors that determine human body types?
Replies
8
Views
4K
What Are Alleles and How Do They Influence Human Traits?
Replies
7
Views
4K
Reverse Cancer, Prevent aging and Take control
Replies
5
Views
2K
How does the body know what to sense?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Do our senses direct what our DNA should change
Replies
11
Views
4K
Medical What voltage is normal for a human body?
Replies
8
Views
97K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top