Thursday, March 3, 2016

Beauty Only Skin Deep?



https://images.sciencedaily.com/2016/02/160226080947_1_540x360.jpg

 

  

 

 Scientists at Newcastle University, UK may have learned the secret to anti- ageing. Many before had made the assumption that mitochondria played a major role in the aging process, but this recent study gives us insight on which specific bio markers could help us turn back the clock. Mitochondrial complex II is believed to be responsible for the way our skin ages over time.

The activity of a metabolic enzyme in our skin cells decrease as we increase with age. This decrease in enzyme activity is described as a decline in “bio energy”. More specifically, activity significantly declined in the cells of the lower dermis, also referred to as the reticular layer, rather than the upper dermis. The reticular layer is also comprised of connective tissue but is more tightly packed.

Human skin anatomyComplex II activity was measured from 27 donors which ranged from ages six to 72. Scientists found that cell’s proliferation rate decreased with age, and that there was a significant decrease in the amount of enzyme protein in those cells that had stopped dividing.  This is a major breakthrough that may revolutionize the way we develop cosmetics and anti-aging serums, but this research is much larger than just aesthetics. Not only does this give us insight on how we can get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin, but this may also lead us to possibly prevent age related disease such as cancer with regards to other major organs like the liver or lungs.   

Newcastle University. "Scientists make significant anti-aging breakthrough." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 February 2016. .

Mahder Haile (group 2)

11 comments:

  1. This could be very big in helping prevent these age related diseases but how far off would treatments using this new information be and just how much of an effect would it actually have. As you age deterioration of bones in the chest and ribcage along with muscle result in lower O2 levels in the body and contribute to the tiredness and shortness of breath after activity that is associated with age. So even if this new information can help with maintaining the lungs I'm not sure if it would be very effective by itself in this regard. However, down the road other information may surface that this could be paired with to make real gains in human longevity so it's definitely an important discovery.

    Cole DiStasio (Group 1)

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    2. These are just recent developments. By no means do I believe this will reverse aging but with further research and experiments, I think this will lengthen the life expectancy, and hopefully improve the quality of life.
      - Mahder Haile

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  2. I did not know that "aging" was related to the mitochondrial complex. There are face creams and specific makeup that help with wrinkles or at least make it look like they do not appear but I think it would be interesting to see if they come up with something more sufficient and safer. Botox does do the job however Im sure they will come up with a treatment that does not involve injections.

    Sarah Ona

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    1. The association between aging and the mitochondrial complex is a fairly recent finding that may revolutionize the cosmetic industry. This could lead to more effective face creams and safer testing methods.
      - Mahder Haile

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  3. If this breakthrough holds true the question is how would we induce these metabolic enzymes to maintain levels of activity found in young people? In my opinion this discovery should be focused towards cancer treatment because it seems to be a waste of time to try to fight nature and the effects of old aging.

    Allen Currier

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    1. This research is still in its early stages. I agree with the idea that this should be used for medical purposes. Unfortunately, big businesses have a history of taking advantage of science and technology in order to benefit their own pockets. This research has the potential to revolutionize health care, which I hope to see within the next 50 years.
      - Mahder Haile

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  4. This is an interesting discovery. I agree that it should be focused on cancer treatments instead of beauty products. With so many beauty products out there, like botox, the need for this product towards beauty is not the greatest priority. Even though this product has not been developed, I would be curious on how this treatment could be administered. Also, if any complications would occur from altering your bodies natural decrease in these enzymes. Overall very interesting topic and I hope to learn about it as more research in this progresses.

    Cara Murphy (3)

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  5. This is very interesting to me! I know that many people are always trying to get younger skin, and look more young. This could be a huge medical break through if we figure out how to get younger looking skin.

    Caitlyn Cordaro

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  6. I don't really agree with the whole medicalization of age in this way. However, I understand that people want to look younger. Also, the fact that this research will help prevent age related diseases is very important and could potentially save many lives.

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