Yeesh. Humans just can't cut a break - I guess it's karma for all the pollution. Apparently the protein known p53 limits cancer but shortens life: A Grim Choice: The Ravages of Age, or of Cancer? (interesting site design, too). Testing was done on mice, but it's often close to how humans go as well. 'The paper adds weight to the developing hypothesis that the body has to walk a line between cancer protection and aging, that they are, in effect, two sides of a coin. "You have a fine balance," Mr. Donehower said. "Too much p53 and you get this aging effect. Too little and you get cancer. My guess is that evolution has evolved just the right level.'

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