Harvard scientists reverse the ageing process in mice – now for humans

[Modbert]

Harvard scientists reverse the ageing process in mice ? now for humans | Science | The Guardian

Scientists claim to be a step closer to reversing the ageing process after rejuvenating worn out organs in elderly mice. The experimental treatment developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School turned weak and feeble old mice into healthy animals by regenerating their aged bodies.

The surprise recovery of the animals has raised hopes among scientists that it may be possible to achieve a similar feat in humans – or at least to slow down the ageing process.

The Harvard group focused on a process called telomere shortening. Most cells in the body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, which carry our DNA. At the ends of each chromosome is a protective cap called a telomere. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres are snipped shorter, until eventually they stop working and the cell dies or goes into a suspended state called "senescence". The process is behind much of the wear and tear associated with ageing.

Repeating the trick in humans will be more difficult. Mice make telomerase throughout their lives, but the enzyme is switched off in adult humans, an evolutionary compromise that stops cells growing out of control and turning into cancer. Raising levels of telomerase in people might slow the ageing process, but it makes the risk of cancer soar.

DePinho said the treatment might be safe in humans if it were given periodically and only to younger people who do not have tiny clumps of cancer cells already living, unnoticed, in their bodies.

Another article involving more science here:

Telomerase reverses ageing process : Nature News

Fascinating stuff that at one time was to be considered only science fiction.

 

[Madeline]

Seems to me this is not something we want, Modbert.

 

[uscitizen]

So when we get old we go to nursery school instead of a rest home?
and die as a fetus?

would save on funeral costs.

 

[Dr.Traveler]

Seems like this is something that's only really a good idea once we're colonizing other planets. Earth's resources are stretched pretty thin as is. Imagine a race of theoretically immortal folks consuming Earth's resources....

 

[Modbert]

Seems like this is something that's only really a good idea once we're colonizing other planets. Earth's resources are stretched pretty thin as is. Imagine a race of theoretically immortal folks consuming Earth's resources....

That is the downside here. Though I figure it would not become a viable option for many years down the road. Plus they have to deal with the fact that this option could possibly make cancer rates skyrocket higher than they already are. That alone may take several years to figure out how to solve.

 

[Truthmatters]

Makes curing cancer an even more important task.

I hope to hell it turns out to merely increase lifespans and doesnt make people immortal.

 

[Chris]

We will be able to reverse the aging process one day soon.

That's why it's important for people to smoke and drink and overeat.

 

[westwall]

Forward thinking scientists at Cal Tech back in the 1980's were talking about this. I remember them saying that based on the discoveries in the pipeline that my mothers generation would be the last one that had to die.

Don't worry though, the rich will figure out a way to keep it out of the reach of the masses.
That too was predicted. It will be the ultimate seperator of class.

 

[rdean]

Harvard? Probably liberals.