Science Archives

Yamanaka Genes: Finally, a Cure for Aging?

What are Yamanaka genes? How can these genes reverse aging? Yamanaka genes are a group of genes that encode transcription factors that have been shown to convert mature cells into stem cells. These factors hold promise in our quest to reverse aging—stem cells can grow into any type of cell (e.g. neurons, heart cells, liver cells) and could be used to replace the age-related cell damage. Here’s how Yamanaka genes can one day help reverse your biological clock.

Spark by John Ratey: Book Overview

What is John Ratey’s Spark about? What is the key message to take away from the book? Spark by John Ratey is a look at the science behind what exercise does to our brains and what it means for our mental health. Ratey derives his insights from observations of his own patients as well as from scientific discoveries that were revolutionizing neuroscience around the time of the book’s publication in 2008. Below is a brief overview of Spark by John Ratey.

Where Does the Process of Digestion Begin?

Where does the process of digestion begin? What are the key organs involved in the digestion of food? We tend to think digestion happens in the abdomen, but it actually starts in the mouth. When we eat food, the mouth begins to break it down by releasing saliva and chewing. The mouth also protects us from unwelcome bacteria that we encounter in everyday life. These functions take place in two places: the salivary glands and the tonsils. Keep reading to learn about the stages of the digestion process.

Senescence: What It Is and How to Reverse It

What is senescence? What role do senescent cells play in aging? Is it possible to reverse senescence? As we get older, our cells start to shut down by entering senescence—a permanent cell cycle arrest where cells stop dividing but don’t die. Biologist David Sinclair believes that destroying those cells before they cause too much damage can significantly extend both life and health. Here’s how senescent cells contribute to aging.

What Are the Three Macronutrients Your Body Needs?

What are the three macronutrients? What is the function of each? The building blocks of the food you eat are called macronutrients (macro- meaning “large”) because your body needs them in large quantities. Macronutrients fuel your body with energy and build important structures such as hormones, muscles, and DNA. Keep reading for a better understanding of the three macronutrients’ roles in your health.

David Sinclair: How Sirtuins Combat Aging

What are sirtuins? What function do sirtuins serve in the body? How can sirtuins help reverse the effects of aging? According to biologist David Sinclair, sirtuins—enzymes that regulate the epigenome—are the key to reversing aging. He believes he can reverse many of the effects of aging by bolstering our sirtuins because they’re involved in everything from repairing DNA to suppressing inflammation—all of which they accomplish by activating or deactivating certain genes in response to certain stressors. Here’s how sirtuins can help combat aging.

Is Fat Bad for You? A Complicated Answer

Is fat bad for you? Why is fat vilified? What do different types of fat do in the body? Our culture often portrays fat as something to avoid at all costs. It’s true that eating too much fat can cause health issues, but certain types of fat play key roles in the body. Keep reading to learn about the role of fat in the body.

Hormesis: What It Is and How to Activate It

What is hormesis? How can you activate the process of hormesis in your body? Hormesis is the process by which our bodies become stronger in response to stressors like hunger, extreme temperatures, and physical damage. Hormesis activates numerous survival mechanisms, such as conserving resources and repairing cellular damage. Here’s how we can take advantage of hormesis not just to extend our lives, but to improve our quality of life as well.

The 7 Stages of Digestion: Ingestion to Excretion

What are the seven stages of digestion? How is food processed through the body? Digesting food is a complex process that requires all of the organs in the gut to work together and perform their precise functions. In her book Gut, Giulia Enders describes the seven stages that food goes through to convert into nutrients you can absorb. Keep reading to learn about the process of digestion from start to finish.

Exercise and the Brain: The 2 Cognitive Benefits

What are the benefits of physical exercise for the brain? Can exercise improve brain function? It’s no secret that regular exercise makes you fit and sexy. Another (less-talked-about) benefit of exercise is that it can make you smarter by boosting your cognitive function. Specifically, exercise supercharges the brain in two ways: 1) it strengthens neurons, and 2) it stimulates the growth of new neurons. Here’s a quick look at exercise and the brain.