The cover picture shows a three-dimensional mathematical model of a human islet beta cell illustrating the distribution of lipofuscin bodies. The red sphere represents the beta cell surface; the nucleus is shown in green and the lipofuscin bodies in purple. This three-dimensional simulation fits with electron micrograph images of islets from an elderly individual. In the present issue of Diabetologia (53: 321-330) Cnop et al. demonstrate the longevity of human islet beta cells based on an age-related increase in lipofuscin body content and number of cells containing lipofuscin bodies (LB-positive cells). Three-dimensional mathematical modelling demonstrated a high proportion of LB-positive cells in young adults.
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Cover credit: the figure was generated by I. Cnop using Mathematica software.