WHEN LESS STRESS BUILDS RESILIENCE
This phenomenon is called hormesis—a mild stressor can trigger an adaptive response, while excessive stress can cause damage.
STRESS → RESPONSE → ADAPTATION
Cells can activate stress-response pathways that help maintain cellular balance, protein quality and survival when conditions change.
MILD ≠ CHRONIC STRESS
Protective responses have limits. Severe or prolonged stress can overwhelm cellular defences and contribute to damage.
CELLS CAN ADAPT 🧬
Scientists are uncovering how controlled stress responses may improve cellular resilience—but much of this research is still experimental.