.png?_=637254915461434753)
We were fortunate to have U of M researchers Dr. Laura Niedernhofer and Dr. Paul Robbins join our virtual meeting as presenters today. In 2018 they accepted roles as Director and Associate Director, respectively, for the newly founded Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) at the U. They are internationally recognized experts in the molecular and cellular basis of aging, and came to the University from the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida. Their team is pursuing a goal of understanding the molecular events that lead to aging and developing a drug therapy that can influence lifespan, "healthspan", and quality of life for people over 65. The focus is on healthspan - meaning the period when one is blessed with good health. Another way of looking at it is compressing the period of decline that leads to death.
Their research has shown that there are types of small molecules called senolytics that can reverse the impact of aged, senescent cells. We have thought of aging as a process, not a disease, but this team has determined that treatment with senolytic drugs, which eliminate senescent cells, can reverse physical dysfunction and actually extend lifespan in aged animal models.
Drs. Niedernhofer and Robbins were introduced by Chad Fahning, who works a Community Events Coordinator at the U. His goal is to ensure that the people of MN are made aware of all the good and exciting things happening at the U. This presentation was fascinating and we should consider reaching out to Chad again in the future when arranging speakers for our meetings.