May 26, 2017

It Was Only a Matter of Time: Scientists Found a Way to Reverse Signs of Aging

Aging is a crucial part of life. We all have to undergo this phase and we all know the signs such as wrinkles, graying of hair, getting diagnosed with diseases related to aging, etc.

Scientists have been researching and studying the process of aging for years. The process takes place at the cellular level – which the scientists have discovered – can be either reversed or stopped altogether. And the scientists from Salk Institute have found a way to reverse aging.

REVERSAL OF THE AGING PROCESS

The research dwells into the possible ways of stem cell-like conditions and their replication via gene intermittent expressions. It is in the association with an embryonic state. Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte – the senior author and professor of Salk Gene Expression Laboratory – says the aging process does not have to move in one direction. It consists of plasticity. With cautious modulation, the aging process can be reversed.

The cellular rejuvenation was prompted by the researchers via the cell reprogramming – which causes expression activation of four genes – also called the Yamanaka factors.

The cell conversion process is induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs, and it enables them to replicate stem cell behavior – which allows them to become different cells and gain the capability of a division. The approach produced some amazing results – where the skin cells when placed in a dish, start to behaving like the young cells.

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT BROUGHT FORTH

Alejandro Ocampo – co-author of the paper and a research associate at the Salk Gene Expression Laboratory – says that the induction of cellular reprogramming makes the cells appear young. But the real deal is to induce the process of rejuvenation in live animals.

iPSCs don’t always prove to be a good thing because non-stop cellular division can cause cancer-oriented behavior and lead to organ failure. The team tested the technique but on a genetic disease (rare) – progeria.

Originally published on The Power of Ideas.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Simple Reading Test Tell You If You’re At Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease, Say Scientists

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting up to 70% of all people with dementia. People with Alzheimer’s have a number of different symptoms which are unique to each individual. Some people experience frequent memory difficulties, loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities, inability to process questions and instructions, deterioration of social... Read More

Elderly man charged after breaking his partner out of nursing home

An 84-year-old man who broke his 80-year-old partner out of her nursing home without permission has been charged by police after the elderly couple spent two days on the run throughout outback WA. Read More

Teen’s flower charity brightens the lives of aged care residents

This grade 9 student has jumped on a clever opportunity to bring joy and happiness to those living in residential aged care with bunches of blooms. Read More
Advertisement