How to age gracefully and whether we can do anything to slow down this process has always been a question for humans.

However, despite continued research, the answer to how to effectively combat aging has remained elusive.

Now, a new study by scientists at the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in the US, has unlocked some of the biological secrets behind the aging process, offering potential new targets for treatment.

The study, titled "Apoptotic stress leads to mtDNA release during aging and drives SASP," was published in the journal Nature.

The study investigated the causes of inflammation caused by aging and damaged cells and how to stop this process to promote healthy aging and even improve the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

As we age, our cells produce inflammatory proteins that promote aging.

Cancer treatments can also cause the same inflammatory process by damaging cells, which may hinder patient outcomes.

This new study, co-led by Professor Stephen Tait and his team from the School of Cancer Science, reports a key inflammatory role for mitochondria, our cellular energy generators.

The researchers found that mitochondria leak after cells age or undergo cancer treatment, releasing DNA that promotes inflammation, leading to aging.

The team then found that if they could stop mitochondrial leakage, this would stop inflammation and improve health during aging.

Their findings suggest that targeting mitochondria-driven inflammation may offer a new way to promote healthy aging while improving response to cancer treatment.

"Our study reveals a completely unexpected link between mitochondria and the inflammatory effects of aging cells," said Professor Stephen Tait.

"We found mitochondrial leakage promotes inflammation in senescent and damaged cells."

"This opens the door to new research with exciting potential for new treatments for aging and cancer."

It is worth mentioning that prolonging life and slowing down the aging process not only depends on scientific and technological developments but also on a healthy lifestyle.

A balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and effective stress management are all important factors in maintaining good health and slowing down the aging process.

On the way to cracking the code of aging, scientists are sketching one exciting future picture after another.

However, no matter how much we desire eternal youth, we should not lose sight of the importance of respecting the natural processes of human beings.

The fight against time should be about creating a healthier and better quality of life.

We should not rashly chase longevity at the expense of living a meaningful, fulfilling, and happy life.