Cellular senescence is the point at which a cell can no longer divide and replenish its tissue.  Senescent cells slowly decay until the point of death and may release toxic products to nearby cells.  Removal or prevention of senescent cells may delay aging. It is thus important to find ways to identify senescent cells and thereby develop strategies to preventr  oremove those cells. Scientists [...]

Silymarin is a plant compound found in Milk Thistle.  It is a biologically active molecule known as a flavonolignan. It has been used as an herbal medicine since antiquity though it has not been definitely proven beneficial in large scale placebo controlled trials. There is some evidence that the substance is protective to liver cells preventing them from toxin-induced cell death. Less clear evidence is [...]

Scientists have reported breakthrough research in the journal Nature describing a new method for reducing aging in lab animals. The research focuses specifically on senescent cells. These are cells which have aged to the point of no longer being able to divide. Typically such cells make up only about 5% to 10% of the pool of cells in older subjects. Senescence is generally thought of as one way [...]