Ageing Science

Senescent cells are permanently non-dividing cells that accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory molecules, creating a complex relationship with health and disease. While initially protective against cancer, their accumulation contributes to chronic inflammation and various age-related conditions.

Telomeres, the protective caps at chromosome ends, gradually shorten with cellular division and serve as molecular timekeepers of biological age. Research reveals how telomere length reflects cellular health and ageing processes, though the relationship involves complex interactions with oxidative stress, inflammation, and lifestyle factors.