July 17, 2008

Mechanism behind stress and Immune System Link - well, we've been saying for years that there's a link between chronic stress and chronic illness, even cancer, and now Eggheads have found out exactly what the deal is - it's those pesky Telomeres.
  • Fascinating links. And I think I actually understood them.
  • That's very intersting. Especially the bit about the possibility of future drug treatment for those in long-term "high stress" situations. I can hear the pharma adverts already... Thanks for the post, Hanky. It's always mind-blowing to me, how well-"designed" everything is.
  • That's only because we're living in a simulation.
  • Funny, I had the very same thought yesterday.
  • There's tons of research being done on telomeres and aging--fascinating stuff. I don't want to live forever, I just want to be healthy and in good shape till I croak.
  • the possibility of future drug treatment for those in long-term "high stress" situations. SMT: BigPharma would have had this taken care of a long time ago if it wern't for the pesky FDA.
  • I can hear the pharma adverts already... "Ask your doctor if [lying on the beach with a beer] is right for you". But will my health insurance pay for it?
  • A very serious thank you, Hank M. Your post has confirmed mine own conclusions on recent health nose-dive. China here I come! :)
  • Neat idea to link this to telomeres, though I'm a bit skeptic. Too much cortisol is dangerous for other reasons (eg high blood pressure)... Really though, I'm just posting to recommend a look into Robert Sapolsky (discussed previously). He's a big-shot in explaining the effects of chronic stress, and pretty entertaining to boot.
  • Ah, links are borked after 2 years... A quick article on Sapolsky's stuff, and two audio lectures on iTunes: 1 2