Aging stem cells may explain higher prevalence of leukemia, infections among elderly

Human stem cells aren’t immune to the aging process, according to scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The researchers, including Center on Longevity faculty affiliate Dr. Stanley Schrier, studied hematopoietic stem cells, which create the cells that comprise the blood and immune system. Understanding when and how these stem cells begin to falter as the years pass may explain why some diseases, such as acute myeloid leukemia, increase in prevalence with age, and also why elderly people tend to be more vulnerable to infections such as colds and the flu.

Read the full press release at EurekAlert!