A new survey reveals striking disagreement among aging researchers on basic questions like “What is aging?” and “When does it begin?” The findings suggest that even experts studying aging have dramatically different views on its fundamental nature.
Published in PNAS Nexus | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In a field dedicated to understanding one of life’s most universal processes, scientists can’t seem to agree on what exactly they’re studying. A survey of over 100 experts at the 2022 Systems Aging Gordon Research Conference, led by Dr. Vadim Gladyshev from Harvard Medical School, exposed wide-ranging disagreement on aging’s basic principles.
The researchers, including professors (29.8%), postdoctoral fellows (25%), graduate students (22.1%), and industry professionals (13.5%), displayed remarkably diverse views on fundamental questions. About 30% defined aging as loss of function over time, while others saw it as accumulation of damage, increased mortality, or even a normal developmental stage.
The question of when aging begins proved equally contentious. While 22% of respondents believed aging starts at age 20, others placed its onset at conception (16.5%), during early development, or at various other life stages. No single answer received majority support, reflecting profoundly different underlying views about aging’s fundamental nature.
This diversity of opinion has real implications for how aging research is conducted. Different definitions of aging naturally lead to different experimental approaches and research priorities. For instance, scientists who view aging as primarily about damage accumulation might focus on preventing or repairing cellular damage, while those who see it as functional decline might prioritize maintaining physical capabilities.
Even the question of whether aging should be considered a disease split the experts. The most common response was “neutral,” followed by roughly equal numbers agreeing and disagreeing. This philosophical division could have important implications for how aging is treated medically and whether interventions are developed as treatments or preventive measures.
The only point where scientists showed modest consensus was on the need for a standard definition of aging – though even here, almost half remained neutral or disagreed. This fundamental lack of agreement could have important implications for research directions and treatment approaches.
Despite these divisions, the survey revealed some common ground. Most researchers agreed that aging exists as an identifiable phenomenon, that it’s inherently deleterious, and that it involves the accumulation of harmful changes or damage. They also generally agreed that aging could potentially be targeted and modified, though they differed on the best approaches.
“While most scientists think they understand the nature of aging, apparently their understanding differs,” notes the research team. This divergence of views presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the field. While it may complicate collaboration and consensus-building, it also ensures a diversity of approaches to understanding and potentially intervening in the aging process.
Glossary
- Gordon Research Conference
- A prestigious scientific meeting where leading researchers gather to discuss cutting-edge developments in their field.
- Biomarkers
- Measurable biological indicators that can be used to track aging processes and health status.
- Functional Decline
- The gradual decrease in physical and biological capabilities that occurs as organisms age.
Test Your Knowledge
What percentage of surveyed scientists defined aging as loss of function over time?
Approximately 30% of respondents defined aging as loss of function over time.
When did the largest group of scientists say aging begins?
The largest group (22%) believed aging begins at age 20.
How many different categories of aging definitions emerged from the survey responses?
The responses were clustered into 10 different groups of definitions.
What does the diversity of opinions suggest about current research approaches in the field of aging, and what implications might this have?
The lack of consensus suggests scientists may be working with different fundamental assumptions, which could lead to disconnected or even contradictory research approaches and treatment strategies.
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