Stem cells: what they are, what they are not, and where the evidence stands

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells able to self-renew and, depending on type, to become specialised cells. Some applications — such as haematopoietic transplantation — are long established. Many others remain investigational, and regulation differs substantially between countries. Stem cells are not a universal longevity treatment, and suitability is an individual clinical question.

Peptides: what the term actually means

A peptide is simply a short chain of amino acids. The word describes a chemical structure, not a category of benefit: insulin is a peptide, and so are many signalling molecules in the body. Some peptide medicines are licensed and well studied; others are unlicensed or investigational. Because of that, we discuss the science rather than promoting named products.

What is epigenetic age?

Epigenetic marks influence how genes are expressed. Certain patterns change predictably with age, which allows statistical models — sometimes called clocks — to estimate a biological age. These estimates are useful research tools and can be informative over time, but a single reading should not be over-interpreted.

Proteomics in plain English

Proteomics measures the proteins actually circulating in the body, which sits closer to present function than the inherited genome. It is increasingly used to describe how individual organ systems appear to be ageing, and it is one of the fastest-moving areas of the field.

What does regenerative medicine mean?

Broadly, approaches that aim to restore function to tissue rather than only manage symptoms. It spans established procedures, emerging cell-based approaches and areas that are still firmly experimental. The label alone tells you very little; the specific intervention and its evidence tell you everything.