TED: The science of cells that never get old | elizabeth Blackburn

The video explores the role of telomeres in aging and health, starting with the discovery of telomerase in Tetrahymena. It discusses how telomere shortening affects human aging and health, and the impact of stress and social factors on telomere length. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining telomere length for a healthy life span and highlights the interconnectedness of social relationships and biological health.

What organism did the speaker use to study telomeres?

• Tetrahymena

• E. coli

• Drosophila

• Yeast

What is the primary function of telomeres?

• To repair DNA damage

• To encode proteins

• To protect chromosome ends

• To initiate cell division

What enzyme was discovered to replenish telomeres?

• DNA polymerase

• Ligase

• Telomerase

• Helicase

What is a potential risk of increasing telomerase activity in humans?

• Decreased lifespan

• Increased risk of certain cancers

• Increased risk of infections

• Decreased cell division

What is the difference between health span and disease span?

• Health span is the time spent in good health, while disease span is the time spent in illness.

• Health span is the total lifespan, while disease span is the time spent in hospitals.

• Health span is the time spent exercising, while disease span is the time spent resting.

• Health span is the time spent working, while disease span is the time spent retired.

How does chronic stress affect telomeres?

• It lengthens them

• It shortens them

• It has no effect

• It duplicates them

What attitude can help maintain telomere length?

• Aggression

• Positive thinking

• Indifference

• Negative thinking

Which social factor is beneficial for telomere maintenance?

• Short-term relationships

• Frequent relocation

• Isolation

• Tight-knit communities

What does the speaker emphasize about human interconnectedness?

• We are all isolated in our health journeys

• We can impact each other's telomeres

• Telomeres are unaffected by social interactions

• Only scientists can influence telomeres

What does the speaker encourage for future generations?

• To focus solely on technology

• To invest in curiosity and research

• To avoid scientific research

• To disregard telomere studies