Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Aging and its undesirable effects is an inexorable process we all like to avoid.With greater technology, improved lifestyle and larger disposable incomes, much attention has been given to anti-aging supplements and procedures in the plastic surgery industry such as face lifts and Botox.One may hope to find a quick fix or a magic pill that will retain a youthful appearance.However, aging is a long, complex process, and miracle treatments are unrealistic.Aging is controlled by several factors which occur at the cellular level, ultimately leading to organ deterioration and the onset of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, chronic inflammation, asthma, and heart disease.Lifestyle and environmental factors can greatly influence the aging process and may affect the vulnerability of an individual to age-related diseases.While an individual's genes associated with aging cannot be controlled, many studies suggest that modifications of exercise and nutrition, especially the use of antioxidants, can slow down the aging process.While society's current focus on anti-aging might be to preserve youthful beauty, I am more interested in preventing the diseases associated with aging.This past summer ( 2008), with the help of a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the University of New Hampshire, I researched the effects of antioxidants on reducing pro-inflammatory proteins, which produce the physical deterioration connected with aging.I returned to my native country of South Korea to perform this research-a country I had left ten years ago.During the flight from the United States in June, I wondered nervously what my Korean lab and colleagues would be like.When I arrived at the Kimhae International Airport in Pusan, the sound of people speaking Korean and the smell of kimchi welcomed me home.Despite the exciting and nervous beginning to my summer research experience, the ending in August was quite sad.Saying farewell to Korean families and friends was very difficult, but I was ready to come back to the U.S. and start my senior year at UNH.The U.S. and Koreatwo countries apart in thousands of miles, two countries which I call home-are always closely connected in my heart.This summer's experience brought them even closer.
Author: Park, KwangLi
Institution: University of New Hampshire
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W815943480