The 33rd Annual Meeting - Molecular Mechanisms of Aging: As Modulated by Genes, Hormones and Oxidative Events

MEETING REPORT - The 2004, 33rd Annual Meeting of the American Aging Association (AGE) took place in St. Petersburg, Florida on June 4-7 and drew two hundred scientists from all over the world.  The first day was devoted to a pre-meeting organized by Dr. Christian Leeuwenburg of the University of Florida and supported by the University of Florida and the Kronos Longevity Research Institute.  Entitled “Exercise to Promote Health Aging”, it consisted of a series of 8 presentations on the role of exercise, oxidative events and aging on metabolic status in aging, especially muscle, bone and neurological health, inflammation and the metabolic syndrome. In addition, an evening lecture, free and open to the public was given by Dr. Leeuwenburg.  On the following days of the primary meeting, organized by Dr. Norman Wolf and entitled “Molecular Mechanisms of Aging as Modulated by Genes, Hormones, and Oxidative Events”, presentations by outstanding scientists in their fields were given on aging research in subsections headed: Non-murine vertebrate models of aging; Invertebrates, hormones, receptors and genes, effects on lifespan; Mutational versus “normal” models for aging; The molecular basis of cell senescence; Control of cell cycle activity and cancer in aging and senescence; The role of mitochondria and oxidative damage in age-related changes and disease; Aging and DNA responses; and, The nervous system: age-related changes and protection from deterioration. In addition, there were 10 short presentations on related subjects. The Harman Research Award for current meritorious research in aging was presented to Dr. James Joseph and the Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award to Dr. George Martin. In addition, the Nicolai and John F. Glenn awards were presented to the first and second places as best graduate student and post-doctoral presentations, including posters. As commented upon by many attendees, the 33rd annual meeting was highly successful.  Our thanks go to the 32 podium presenters, each of the 54 poster presenters at the meeting, our registrants, and our generous sponsors, exhibitors, partners and supporters. Dr. Norman Wolf, the AGE president and meeting organizer for fiscal year 2003-04, stepped down, and the new president, Dr. Andrzej Bartke accepted the leadership role and will organize the 2005 meeting, which will be held in San Francisco in June 2005.  Norman Wolf, DVM, PhD Meeting Chair and 2003-2004 President  American Aging Association TOP