Researchers publishing in Aging Cell have discovered that cells derived from the human placenta may be useful in estimating the effects of potential anti-aging treatments.

A seemingly odd choice

Of all the organs in the body, the placenta may be the least concerning with regards to aging; it only exists for at most 10 months, after which it is discharged as part of the birthing process. The researchers openly admit that this lifespan difference may make placenta-related aging processes distinct from those in other tissues, which harms translation and generalizability.