ScienceJuly 8, 2026
senescence
/sɪˈnɛs.əns/
Definition
The biological process of aging, characterized by the gradual deterioration of cell function and the loss of the capacity for cell division.
Etymology
The word originates from the Latin 'senescere', meaning 'to grow old', which is the inchoate form of 'senex' (old man). It entered English in the 17th century to describe the state of aging.
In the news
In this article, the term describes how exposure to space radiation and microgravity serves as a model for accelerated biological aging. Scientists are studying this process to understand how extreme environments trigger cellular decline and tissue damage.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,206 2 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology Web