‘Reprogramming’ Body Cells May Be Key To A Longer Life, Scientists Say

Scientists have recently discovered ways of “reprogramming” body cells in order to prolong life expectancy as well as reverse the ageing process. Early scientific research by scientists at the Salk Institute in California indicate that they may have found a way to reverse the usual signs of ageing like wrinkles and gray hair.

Preliminary Research Only

According to a report in the Express, initial research has been done with mice who suffer from premature ageing. Results of the research showed an increase in the animals’ lifespan by 30 per cent, while at the same time reversing the ageing process.

The scientists also used what they called a “complex gene therapy” and subjected some human skin cells to it. According to them, the therapy resulted in the skin cells “looking” and “behaving young again.”

The research however is still in the preliminary stage and according to the scientists, it will take a decade before any of these therapies will be allowed for human testing and clinical trials.

Understanding The Ageing Process

The research however is considered pioneering in the field of ageing, which has long been thought of a process that only occurs forward or in one direction. According to Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, their observations have opened up new ways of thinking about ageing the consequences of it. He said, “Many of us believe ageing is a non plastic process, it’s not something that we can manipulate. These observations indicate the opposite.”