The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats.
Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia
Abstract: Everyone knows that our bodies experience the wear and tear of daily life. But this wear and tear also affects our DNA, the blue print of life. A biomarker is a detectable characteristic of DNA and proteins. Biomarkers change during ageing, disease and exposure to toxins such as arsenic and radiation. Biomarkers are important for predicting future health problems. Such clues can be used in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases. The recent Fukushima disaster has dramatically shown the power of biomarkers to estimate the long-term health risks of nuclear accidents. Based on our current research on chromosomes and telomeres (colourful clues), I will discuss the possible use of biomarkers in disease management and ageing.