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Cheating Death

Radiolab

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The Complexity of Damage and Repair in Our Bodies

The sun, which is the source of our energy, also damages us, as does the process of eating. Enzymes in our cells can repair damaged DNA, but the repair process is not perfect. The body's ability to repair damage decreases with age, as energy is diverted from repair processes to reproduction. Our bodies are a product of human evolution in a harsh environment, where life expectancy was low and the focus was on reproduction rather than long-term health. Evolution prioritizes reproduction over individual health, and allocating resources to reproduction leaves less for maintaining health.

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