&gt; Telomeres are short segments of DNA which cap the ends of every chromosome, acting as &#x27;buffers&#x27; against wear and tear. They shorten with every cell division, eventually getting too short to protect the chromosome, causing the cell to malfunction and the body to age.<p>Can anyone explain what happens to telomere length when a new human is born? Presumably the telomere length is reset? Is there a beneficial reason for telomeres shortening with time?