Hi there, The chromosomal structures known as 'Telomeres', in association with the enzyme 'Telomerase' are discussed frequently in reference to both longevity and cancer. It seems that the reduction of their length during the life cycle of a cell results eventually in damage to DNA and the genes of which they are a part. For more on Telomere length and it's association with aging, see the below article: whyweage.com Take care! Mark Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
from encyclopedia Brittanicus In [ENC]medieval[/ENC] times semen was referred to as the elixir of life. A male peasant mob was gathered once a year into a cave or [ENC]pit[/ENC] and given a [ENC]protein[/ENC] rich diet consisting of [ENC]egg[/ENC]s, [ENC]fish[/ENC] and [ENC]asparagus[/ENC]. A statue of holy Mary was produced and the mob was given lead or tin cups. They collectively went to work to produce the elixir of life. Some old men incapable of producing were assigned to collect the elixir in a huge vat. The [ENC]peasant[/ENC] women now were lined up and given a mouthful of elixir. Of course they were not allowed to swallow it. They merely had to slosh it around in their mouth and then spit it in a different vat. The oral [ENC]flora[/ENC] and [ENC]fauna[/ENC] of the peasant woman was therefore ingeniously used to start off a fermentation process. The elixir was ripened for exactly one [ENC]moon[/ENC] cycle. A feast for the ruling [ENC]feudal[/ENC] [ENC]warlord[/ENC]s was organized in which they ate roasted [ENC]pig[/ENC] and drank fermented elixir of life. Scientists believe that his made it possible for the scientific renaissance to start in [ENC]Europe[/ENC] and not in the [ENC]Middle East[/ENC] or [ENC]China[/ENC], despite the clear presence of the beginning of true [ENC]science[/ENC] in these regions.
