Researchers have developed a way to modify an existing cancer drug with toxic side effects into something that is less toxic to blood platelets and more effective at removing harmful and inflammatory senescent cells, one of the reasons we age, from mice.

What are senescent cells?

As you age, increasing numbers of your cells enter into a state known as senescence. Senescent cells do not divide or support the tissues of which they are part; instead, they emit a range of potentially harmful chemical signals that encourage nearby healthy cells to enter the same senescent state. Their presence causes many problems: they reduce tissue repair, increase chronic inflammation, and can even eventually raise the risk of cancer and other age-related diseases.