Though many of us have heard of ‘junk DNA’, it turns out it is not quite that simple. Recent research has revealed that so-called 'genetic parasites', called retrotransposons, play an important role in aging. Scientists have found that when these parasites become more active, they trigger an immune response that can lead to a reduction in lifespan.
Though the implications of this are still far away, scientists are hopeful that understanding this process could lead to a way to extend human lives. However, more research is needed before we can fully understand the mechanisms behind this process.
Retrotransposons are also known to be involved in a wide range of genetic diseases. Therefore, further research into these genetic parasites could provide insight into many different areas of biology and medicine.
At the moment, this research is still in its early stages and further investigation is needed to determine the exact implications of this discovery. Though this process may lead to a breakthrough in the future, it is important to remember that it is still in the early stages of research.