AA # 7

A Form-fitting Photovoltaic Artificial Retina

Telomeres act as protective caps on chromosomes, which keep the DNA stable. It prevents the DNA from unraveling.  As we age and as cells replicate, these telomeres shorten.  Thus, the cell becomes more prone to death. US research suggests that physical or emotional abuse during childhood could speed up this aging process. Previous studies have shown that telomeres shorten at a faster rate when exposed to toxins.  This includes radiation and cigarette smoking.  In the same way, psychiatric problems and stress can have a similar effect. This has raised concerns because shorter telomeres can be linked to certain diseases and aging.  In this study, scientists looked at 22 women and 9 men.   This sample size had a mix of happy childhoods, emotional, physical or sexual abuse or neglect.  There are many different factors that could have explained their reduced telomeres such as cigarettes, obesity, lack of exercise etc.  The small sample size is not sufficient enough to link abuse with shorter telomeres, however, it could be a contributing factor.



W. Jones. “A Form-fitting Photovoltaic Artificial Retina.” IEEE Spectrum, 12/22/2009.  2/18/2010 <http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/a-formfitting-photovoltaic-artificial-retina>