Outlook in 2012

Science is finally getting to grips with this enigmatic autoimmune disease.

The latest drugs hold fantastic promise for people with severe psoriasis. But where are the treatment options for the far larger number with less serious cases?

As the link between stress and psoriasis flare-ups becomes clearer, it seems the most vulnerable patients require a new type of treatment.

Psoriasis can have a profound impact on patients' emotional and social lives. Christopher Griffiths, a dermatologist at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, discusses the disease's psychological fallout and its links with stress.

Severe psoriasis carries cardiovascular risks. Dermatologists should consider more than just patients' outer layers, argues Henning Boehncke.

Recent discoveries are redefining the role of the immune system in psoriasis, and may help to unravel the mystery of the disease's origins.

Our skin is home to thousands of species of bacteria — and when these microscopic societies are disrupted, skin infections can arise.

No mere passive barrier, the skin is being revealed to be an active part of the immune system. Researchers are now starting to understand its role in driving psoriasis.

More people are surviving to older ages than ever before, pushing life expectancy from birth to unprecedented highs. Further gains will require tackling age-related conditions, across the world, with ramifications for society as a whole.

Treating cognitive problems common in elderly people requires a deeper understanding of how a healthy brain ages.

Studies of gut bacteria are beginning to untangle how diet affects health in old age — but determining cause and effect is tricky.

High-tech gadgets such as sensors that detect falls and robots that can fetch items are helping people stay independent and safe into their later years.

Evolution can extend a species' lifespan by an order of magnitude. Can we learn the same tricks?

Researchers are learning about the molecular basis of ageing — and finding clues about how to treat diseases in the process.

Why do some people cope better than others with getting old? Sociologist Eva Kahana, director of the Elderly Care Research Center at Case Western Reserve University, offers some clues.

Stem cells rejuvenate our tissues but are not resistant to ageing themselves. How can they retain their effectiveness?

Scientists are searching for a genetic blueprint that will enable humans to stay healthy and vital well into their old age.