The Long Tomorrow: How Advances in Evolutionary Biology Can Help Us Postpone Aging.THE LONG TOMORROW: How Advances in Evolutionary Biology Evolutionary biology is a sub-field of biology concerned with the origin and descent of species, as well as their change, multiplication, and diversity over time. Can Help Us Postpone Aging MICHAEL R. ROSE The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. Please help [ improve the introduction] to meet Wikipedia's layout standards. You can discuss the issue on the talk page. Michael R. Researchers have yet to conclusively identify the mechanisms involved in getting older. In this account of his work as an evolutionary biologist, Rose reviews the various theories about the causes of aging, most of which have been debunked. Scientists have proposed that anything from bacteria to the cessation of growth to genetic mutation Noun 1. genetic mutation - (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism chromosomal mutation, mutation causes the deterioration de·te·ri·o·ra·tion n. The process or condition of becoming worse. of the body. Rose's own research, however, has focused on what he considers the most promising theory, natural selection as a factor in aging. In essence, he writes that natural selection protects animals to the point of reproduction, after which it abandons them. Rose's groundbreaking work with fruit flies has demonstrated that the later an organism produces offspring the longer members of that species live. This suggests to Rose an evolutionary mechanism for aging. He reviews research into possible life-extending methods and antiaging an·ti·ag·ing adj. Used to delay or lessen the effects of aging, especially on the skin. therapies. Oxford, 2005, 174 p., hardcover, $26.00. |
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