Using normal human lung cells and precancerous human lung cells at the beginning stages of cancer, researchers fed the cells either normal or reduced level s of glucose (sugar).   They found the normal cells lived longer and the precancerous cells died when given less glucose.
The scientists also measure gene activity under these same conditions and found the normal cells that received reduced glucose had higher activity of the gene that dictates the level of telomerase.  Telomerase extends the cells lifespan by lowering the activity of the gene p16 that slows their growth.
Gerald Weissmann, M.D. Editor in Chief of the FASEB Journal said “This study confirms that we are on the path to persuading human cells to let us to live longer, and perhaps cancer free, lives.”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091222105219.htm 

Cellular aging is a reduction in the size of telomeres or the caps at the end of chromosomes.  Researchers measured DNA in blood samples from adults who reported suffering abuse as children and compared them to adults who were not abused as children.

The findings showed that adults who were emotionally or physically abused as children had accelerated shortening of their telomeres.

Dr Audrey Tyrka said “It tells us something.  It gives us a hint that early developmental experiences may have profound effects on biology that can influence cellular mechanisms at a very basic level”.

Shorter telomeres are also linked to aging related diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122095411.htm

Telomeres are regions of repetitive DNA at the ends of our chromosomes.  These repetitions of DNA prevent the ends of our chromosomes from being seen as broken DNA by the cell’s DNA repair machinery.

Every time your cells divide your telomeres shrink, up to a point where they are short enough to stop your cells from dividing and  your body from making those cells.  Over time this process leads to aging and death.

A New York based company T.A. Sciences now claims to have manufactured a supplement that has proven to stop telomeres from shortening.  The product is TA-65 and made from a more than 1000 year old Chinese herb named Astragalus.  Don’t bother growing Astragalus in your backyard, the amount of TA-65 produced by the plant is very low and not nearly enough to have the same effect as the purified and concentrated supplement.

And if you were wondering how much the TA-65 supplement cost…US$14 000 per year.  If you can’t afford the price tag you may be interested to know that lifestyle changes can also slow down the shortening of telomeres.  Stress and lack of sleep have also shown to shorten telomeres, so in addition to healthy eating and exercise, make sure you relax and get some shut eye.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=anti-aging-pill-targets-telomeres