The relationship between cancer and aging is puzzling. It is well-understood that as we all get older, the chances of getting cancer increase. But cancer’s destructive effects stem from a gain of function—in the form of prolific cell multiplication—while aging is a degenerative loss of function. Cell biologist Judith Campisi has been studying the effects of age on healthy cells, and she is certain that solving the cancer puzzle could lead to a long, healthy life.
More from this series: Longevity

Recorded June 2011; Posted December 2011