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Cellular Senescence

5-minute read 25 XP in app 6 cards

Zombie cells

Senescent cells are old, damaged cells that stop dividing but refuse to die. They accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory chemicals called SASP.

Fact

Why they're dangerous

Senescent cells make up a tiny fraction of your cells, but their SASP secretions poison neighboring healthy cells, spreading dysfunction like an infection throughout tissues.

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Estimate the accumulation

By age 60, roughly what percentage of cells show signs of senescence?

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Explore senolytic approaches

Tap each approach being studied to clear zombie cells.

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Insight

Mouse studies are promising

When researchers cleared senescent cells in aged mice, the mice became younger — better fur, more energy, improved organ function, and 25% longer lifespan.

Takeaway

Key Takeaway

Senolytic drugs and fasting protocols are being studied to help clear these 'zombie cells' — one of the most exciting frontiers in longevity science.