Svetlana Yashina is a world-renowned scientist and doctor of sciences who has made significant contributions to the fields of genetics and biochemistry. She is best known for her work on the genetic basis of aging and the role of telomeres in cell aging.
Yashina was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1934. She graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in biology in 1957, and then went on to complete her PhD in biochemistry at the Institute of Protein Research in 1960. After working as a researcher at the institute for several years, she became head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Aging in 1970. In this role, she pioneered research into the genetic basis of aging and the role of telomeres in cell aging.
Yashina’s work has had a major impact on our understanding of aging and has led to the development of new treatments for age-related diseases. Her discoveries have also helped to improve our understanding of cancer, as many cancers are caused by telomere dysfunction.