Age-related degeneration of tissues, organs and, yes, even facial skin with which we all struggle is an active, deliberate process rather than a gradual failure of tired cells, say Stanford researchers. Derailing or slowing this molecular betrayal, although still far in the future, may enable us to one day tack years onto our lives — or at least delay the appearance of that next wrinkle.

Tagged: aging, proteins, Human Health, Medicine

The theory that aging is caused by unavoidable wear and tear has dominated aging research. Stanford researchers have found evidence for an alternative theory that could lead to a new way to think about how to slow the aging process.

Tagged: aging, longevity, Human Health, Medicine

At the turn of the 20th century, Americans’ life expectancy at birth was 47. A century later, 30 years had been added. The Center on Longevity, led by Professor Laura Carstensen, wants to help society capitalize on these longer life spans. To that end, faculty from all seven Stanford schools will participate in the center’s work.

Tagged: aging, economics, longevity, Human Health, Business, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, Medicine

Although AIDS is often associated with younger adults, one in five patients was age 50 or older when their disease was diagnosed.

Tagged: aging, aids, economics, healthcare, Human Health, Medicine

This is your brain on Facebook. Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine used concepts borrowed from the popular social networking site to analyze the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Tagged: aging, Alzheimer's, brain imaging, Human Health, Medicine

Stanford researchers have developed a blood test that is a step toward identifying Alzheimer's disease two to six years before its onset.

Tagged: aging, Alzheimer's, mental illness, Human Health, Medicine