date:Jan 07, 2014
ing at the age of 60 rather than 70.
We were surprised when we saw that these mutants do not in fact accumulate the DNA damage that would cause ageing, Ms Hilde said. On the contrary: they have less DNA damage.
This happens because the little nematode changes its metabolism into low gear and released its own antioxidant defences, she said.
Nature uses this strategy to minimise the negative consequences of its inability to repair the DNA, Ms Hilde said. So why is this not the normal state? Most