The creator of the free radical theory of aging has died

Dr. Denham Harman, the famous researcher who developed the most popular theory of aging, currently used to study cancer, Alzheimer's disease and other diseases, has died at the age of 98 after a short illness.

In a photo dated February 14, 2006, Denham Harman smiles at a ceremony at the University of Nebraska Medical Center dedicated to his 90th birthday.

Dr. Harman was one of the most influential scientists of the last 50 years, inspiring thousands of young researchers to study the issues of aging. Despite his official retirement in 1986, he continued to work at the University of Nebraska Medical Center until 2010.

In 1954, Harman developed a free radical theory of aging, but it took more than one year of additional research to confirm its significance. In short, this theory states that one of the byproducts of oxygen utilization are chemical reactions that have a negative effect on cells. The result of such reactions is aging and, ultimately, death.

At first, the medical community laughed at Harman's theory, but in the 1980s, free radicals became an integral part of research on cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular system. A little later, the involvement of free radicals in the development of Alzheimer's disease was revealed.

Harman believed that the aging process could be slowed down by suppressing the production of free radicals through a healthy diet, regular exercise and taking certain vitamins. He also recommended quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Medical Xpress: Doctor behind 'free radical' aging theory dies.

26.11.2014