This book is a detailed and comprehensive synthesis of the scientific study of aging. Dozens of contributions from leading scholars review various theories of aging, and molecular, cellular, biochemical and microbial aspects of aging, among just a few of the topics included. Authoritative, wide ranging and thorough, this book will act as a source for experimental design, a comprehensive description of age related diseases, and provide information of the latest molecular theories underlying their causes. Additionally, it will target industries involved in developing anti-aging drugs, post-graduate medical students, and university libraries.