How We Age

Our informational field is overflowing with discussions about aging: how to slow it down, or even prevent it altogether, how possible it is to extend human life, whether we can achieve immortality, and so on. There is everything from scientifically grounded practical advice to science-fiction hypotheses, — but how to determine what is truly related to science? Biologist Colin Murphy, who teaches at Princeton University and works on aging issues in her laboratory, found it necessary to honestly describe the current state of affairs. She details how scientists are probing paths to extend life and improve its quality, in what directions research is being conducted, and how to interpret their results. Conscientious fundamental science never provides simple answers, but it allows us to look at the questions that concern us realistically — without rose-colored glasses, but with a healthy dose of optimism.