Is science is on the verge of winning the war on aging through cellular immortality? Big question . . . one opening doors all the way down life's hallway. A Nobel Prize was awarded last year (2009) for research in Telomeres and Telomerase Enzyme Research. Telomeres are aptly described as life's little time keepers - clocks that regulate the aging process. They are little caps (yellow dots in the picture) attached at the end of every strand of DNA, fittingly described as the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten. Once the telomeres are too short, cells become sluggish and ultimately unresponsive. They no longer divide. The youth generating duplication process comes to a close and the degradation process results in the loss of elasticity, volume depletion, and negative changes in the skin texture. Telomerase is a natural 'bodyguard' enzyme that provides protection to the telomeres by offering a deeper stability in maintaining its health and length. Once the telomerase is activated telomeres will continue their youth-keeping activity and literally turn back time. This is what some call the "immortal cell theory." Telomere technology is anti-aging skin care's tipping point . . . the little things that make a very big difference. Since telomeres are present in plants and animals sourcing telomerase enzymes becomes a much easier task. There is no doubt we will all be hearing much more more about the telomere's anti-aging philosophy of divide and conquer.
