Context:
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking blood test that measures the pace of ageing by studying DNA methylation. The test examines how an enzyme adds methyl groups to DNA in older adults, establishing a correlation between this biological process and ageing. This innovative approach offers a promising method to assess an individual’s biological age, providing valuable insights into the ageing process and potentially enabling personalized interventions to promote healthy ageing and prevent age-related diseases.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Geroscience: An Overview
Definition
- Geroscience is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.
Key Areas of Study
- Biological Factors
- DNA Methylation: A process where methyl groups (CH3) are added to the DNA molecule, crucial for regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability.
- Enzyme Activity: Including gerozyme, an aging-associated enzyme.
- External Factors
- Socio-economic influences.
- Lifestyle interventions such as:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Music therapy
Objective
- To develop strategies, including drug interventions targeting specific aging-related processes, to promote healthy aging and combat age-related conditions like dementia.
-Source: The Hindu
