If we think of our chromosomes - they carry our genetic material - as being like shoelaces, I work on the plastic tips at the end that protect them.

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes in cells. Chromosomes carry the genetic information. Telomeres are buffers. They are like the tips of shoelaces. If you lose the tips, the ends start fraying.

In my early work, our molecular views of telomeres were first focused on the DNA.

We're involved in a very large study that's federally funded and being done with Kaiser Permanente, and saliva is a very non-invasive way to get cells from the body.

Being senior enough in the field, having enough solidity, I don't feel afraid of being marginalized.

We think there are lifestyle factors that boost telomerase naturally.