For the last 40 years, biogerontology-the study of the biological basis of aging-has progressed tremendously, and it has now become an independent and respected field of study and research. This volume brings together contributions by biogerontologists, bioethicists, biodemographers, researchers, students, clinicians, and dieticians. The main areas of discussion and presentation of new research results include (1) biological and non-biological factors affecting lifespan and the quality of life; (2) ethical and social issues related to lifespan and health-span extension; (3) physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects of aging; (4) new technologies to understand and modulate aging; (5) the latest successful approaches in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, and (6) aging intervention, prevention, and modulation by genes, natural and synthetic molecules, and lifestyle modifications. Accordingly, the main sections of the volume focus on the following topics: defining aging, longevity, and the diseases of aging; selected aging organs; cellular aging; molecular aging; ethics of aging intervention; genetics of aging and longevity; and aging interventions. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.