Greener neighborhoods stop us from aging on a genetic level

A new study is finding that greener neighborhoods protect telomeres from being damaged. 

The role of telomeres in aging

Telomeres are repetitive sequences of DNA found at the ends of chromosomes that play a crucial role in preserving the integrity and stability of the genetic material within a cell. 

As cells divide and their telomeres become progressively shorter, they eventually reach a critical point where they can no longer divide. This state is known as cellular senescence, and it is associated with aging and age-related diseases.

“This makes telomeres important markers of biological…