Fountain of youth discovered! - But only for mice
FREE Catholic Classes
Researchers are announcing a genetic breakthrough that may someday allow people to enjoy much longer life spans. Preliminary research on mice has shown that cells which cause most of the effects of aging can be effectively detected and destroyed, at least in the bodies of mice.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
11/3/2011 (1 decade ago)
Published in Health
Keywords: aging, fountain of youth, mice, senescent cells
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Scientists working with mice have focused their attention on a type of cell known as senescent cells. Senescent cells promote the aging of tissues, and have been connected with all the normal signs of aging such as loss of fat under the skin, the buildup of plaque within arteries of elderly patients, and the development of cataracts in the eye. The cells also contribute to the waste of muscle tissue and low-level inflammation throughout the body.
DON'T WAIT! Create your own fountain of youth now, with MyPHRCHart.
Scientists have now found a way to eliminate these cells.
Researchers tested on genetically modified mice that had their senescent cells marked so that when given a drug, the cells would self-destruct. Those mice that were given the drug to destroy the cells did not show the typical signs of aging that other mice displayed.
Specifically, the mice did not develop cataracts, their muscle tissue did not waste, and they were able to exercise much longer on treadmills. They did not lose the layers of fat under their skin which typically happens in humans and causes wrinkling.
The tests show that eliminating the cells can have a beneficial effect on mice. The mice used in this study did not have their lifespans increased, but that was because they were of a special strain of fast-aging mice that typically die young and are commonly used in experiments.
A new round of tests on mice that age normally is currently being planned. Generally, laboratory mice can live up to three years. If those mice can be genetically modified so that there senescent cells can be destroyed with drugs, and their lifespans are increased, then researchers will have finally found a modern version of the fountain of youth.
At least for mice.
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
5 Ways to keep Jesus in your Christmas celebrations this year
-
Get your oven mitts ready, it's time to bake Christmas cookies!
-
Celebrate Sunday Mass - 12.22.24
-
Bone Box Inscribed with Name of Jesus' Brother Unveiled as 'Most Significant Relic from Time of Christ'
-
Miracle of St. Januarius' Blood Liquefies in Naples
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- St. Adele: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Christmas Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Daily Readings for Monday, December 23, 2024
- St. John of Kanty: Saint of the Day for Monday, December 23, 2024
- Christmas Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Monday, December 23, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.