The Telomerase Revolution

This is a great book for scientists and non-scientists alike. The subject is one that intrigues us all: the possibility of immortality and a cure for some of the deadliest diseases known to man.

A little known part of DNA replication the telomerase enzyme may hold the key to some of the 21st centuries greatest breakthroughs. It certainly has already given the scientific community a great deal of hope.

This books does well in terms of captivating scientists and lay people. It does not assume prior knowledge but also doesn't patronise as some popular science books can. I personally found it both fascinating and inspirational.

"The Telomerase Revolution" explains the telomere theory of aging and how this knowledge may lead to prevention of age-related diseases. Overall, the author was able to clearly explain scientific ideas at a level that the general public can understand. He's not trying to impress people with his knowledge but convey information that he's excited about.

He explained various ideas people have held about what causes aging, then he described the telomere theory of aging and addressed some common misconceptions. He dismisses claims that special foods, meditation, and such can reverse aging and described the only valid telomerase-based product that's currently available. He talked about recent research and attempts toward developing clinical interventions involving telomerase. I found these chapters very interesting and informative.

He described the telomere view of diseases caused by the direct aging of various systems (like the immune system, muscles, skin, etc.) and diseases caused by indirect aging damage (atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, then Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease). A basic knowledge of physiology is helpful with these "aging" chapters. He ended by explaining the latest efforts toward developing telomerase-based therapies and what people can do until these become more effective and available.

PROS:
- The book sums up the advances in understanding telomeres.
- It shows how telomeres (and their shortening) impact health is so many ways.
- He debunks myths about telomeres (e.g., that absolute length is all that matters - it's doesn't - it's how much and how fast they shorten that matters)
- Toward the end, Fossel dishes out practical dieting advice and is casts a skeptical eye on many diet fads.
- He crushes the idea of diets or programs that "reverse" or "halt" aging. He splashes cold water on all those marketing claims.

CONS:
- Aside from the dieting and exercise advice, there's little the average Joe can do today to take advantage of the telomerase revolution. All we can do is sit back and wait for more clinical trials and advancements.
- Fossell has a bit too optimistic view of the impact of prolonged human life. He thinks that global conflicts will go down as people live hundreds of years. His arguments are unconvincing. However, the idea that we'll clean up the environment and decrease our population growth is defensible and believable, if we can live hundreds of years.

CONCLUSION: If you don't know much about telemores and you want to learn more, this is a perfect book.

Insightful, useful, and completely relevant!

An interesting take on science that is definitely at the cutting edge. Ageing is something that we all have to come to terms with and the quest for eternal youth is constant. Here new discoveries into what makes cells, and therefore our bodies, age may hold the key to health and longevity