As our bodies age, various processes start to break down. Cells become zombie-like, releasing harmful chemicals. DNA accumulates mutations, and the protective ends of chromosomes deteriorate. Mitochondria, the cell's energy source, falter and decline. The immune system goes haywire, and the reserve of stem cells decreases.

It may sound alarming, but there is hope thanks to new drugs, according the results of three related studies.

Scientists working to understand the puzzle of aging piece by piece have developed a drug class called senolytics, which are capable of eliminating zombie cells and are currently being tested in clinical trials.