Why New Atoms Aren't a Fountain of Youth

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If our atoms are being replaced every day, why do we age?

In a study published in the Annual Report for Smithsonian Institution in 1953, scientists found that 98 percent of our atoms are replaced each year. Atoms make up molecules, which make up cells, which make up tissues, which make up organs.

So with all these new atoms in our bodies every year, why do we get old?

Lawrence Brody, Ph.D., a physicist at the National Human Genome Research Institute, says the problem isn't that the atoms are getting old, but that the structure is.

"Imagine building a sand castle. Four walls, some nice turrets, central spire, a moat—you gotta have a moat," Dr. Brody says. "Now start replacing 100 percent of the sand with nice new sand."

Think about what would happen to the structures of the walls and the turrets. How well would the moat continue to function after all that sand was replaced?

Carbon Copy

Every day, our bodies take in new atoms from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the liquids we drink. These atoms are incorporated into our cells and fuel the chemical processes that keep us alive.

But our cells are constantly being regenerated. The DNA in each cell copies itself over and over again. Eventually, mistakes creep in and cells develop faults which get copied and passed on.

Suppose a chain mail goes out by fax — it goes to a friend, who faxes it to a friend, and so on. Over time, spots and wrinkles on the paper appear, and these turn up in subsequent copies.

Environmental Damage

Some cells, like red blood cells, white cells or skin cells, have short life spans of weeks to months. Because they replace themselves so often, there is a higher chance a copying mistake will arise.

Cells in our brains, heart, and bones last longer. Although these cells are less vulnerable to copying mistakes, they are more susceptible to damage caused by environmental factors such as radiation or toxins. Either way, cells stop working as well and we grow old.

Oxygen Damage

We need oxygen to survive. But during the normal chemical processes that take place in our bodies, oxygen can produce free radicals. These are highly unstable molecules that can set off chemical reactions that interfere with DNA and damage cells.

Free radicals are thought to play a key role in aging. So what can we do about oxygen?

"Avoid it, and you'd stay young forever," Dr. Brody advises.