PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Explorer Ponce de Leon traveled the world searching for the fountain of youth. Turns out, the answer might have been under the tip of his nose — or more precisely, the tip of his chromosomes.
Our chromosomes carry all our genetic information, and for years, research has been focused on the tip of each chromosome, called a telomere. The length of each telomere can impact the development of disease.
Too long or too short can mean major issues or great health. The discovery suggests that the length of each telomere is largely controlled by an area adjacent to the telomere.
Why is this important? Some day, medications could be designed to help keep telomeres at the best length to prevent poor health and extend life.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
