Publisher's Synopsis
There are almost as many theories about the aging process as there are researchers working in the field. This stems from the fact that scientists do not know why animals grow old and examine every aspect of an animal's physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology in attempting to answer this important question. The current trend among biologists studying the way animals grow old is to keep the theories in mind, but to focus their attention on dominant age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's or cardiovascular disease. This new volume in The New Biology set tackles the fascinating subject of aging, from natural processes to technological developments, and descibes past and present research into extending the human life span. Different theories about aging and the studies of the fruit fly and housefly, which have provided a basis of knowledge in this field, are presented in a clear and concise manner. The use of hormone therapy is explored as a possible way to reverse the effects of aging, the use of antioxidants is discussed as another area being pursued by scientists seeking to find the key to extending the human life span, and possible side effects and monetary expenses are also examined. Concluding with a collection of biographies of influential researchers in this field, a bibliography, a glossary, and an index, Aging presents the full story about the hopes, efforts, progress, and realities of this timeless topic.
