'Late-life' genes activated by biological clock to help protect against stress, aging

(Oregon State University) Researchers have discovered that a subset of genes involved in daily circadian rhythms, or the 'biological clock,' only become active late in life or during periods of intense stress when they are most needed to help protect critical life functions. The findings are part of a unique stress response mechanism that was previously unknown, and help explain why aging is often accelerated when the biological clock is disrupted.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science http://ift.tt/2kVsM38