Hank: Treating HIV can help keep people young. HIV is associated with increased risk of illnesses related to aging, like chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease. But until recently, we didn't know exactly why, since these conditions are not directly related to acquiring HIV.

So a team of scientists followed 80 patients over the course of 17 years, comparing their rates of genetic aging before and after beginning treatment for their HIV. Before their participants started taking antiretroviral medications, the team observed signs of rapid genetic and epigenetic aging, and that may at least partially explain why those other health risks increase, too. What's cool, though, is that researchers found that this effect stopped after patients began treatment for their HIV. With time, the individuals' genetic age began to align with their chronological age again.

It goes to show how important checking for HIV with frequent screenings is, since identifying it earlier can improve your progress.

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