A team of scientists from the Mayo Clinic may have unlocked the fountain of youth in their latest research. According to Jan Van Deursen, founder of Unity Biotechnology, removing the senescent cells in a living organism not only makes it look younger. It stops the aging process.
The deterioration of cells in any living body is inevitable as we grow old. But aside from aging, our cells also become senescent when we experience different types of stress. Non-scientists call this senescent lipid-loaded macrophages as foam cells.
Proponents of the study used two mice for their experiment. These two mice were siblings, and were born on the same litter. Their age is equivalent to 70 years of human life. Scientists regularly removed the senescent cells in one mouse while they left the other mouse as is.
The two mice were observed based on their ability to store fat, muscle mass and agility. It has been observed that the mouse who had its senescent cells regularly removed has maintained its vigor. On the other hand, its sibling who was left untreated became more frail and sickly.
As told by Quartz Media, the study paved way for Van Deursen to cross paths with Nathaniel David, a Silicon Valley Scientist who also shares the same advocacy to ‘unlock’ the secret to the fountain of youth. Together, they forged a partnership to create a company that will manufacture drugs that will target people suffering from terminal illnesses. They are also eyeing men and women who want to maintain their radiance and youthful vigor. Prior to this study, Stem Cell Therapy is the most famous method of reinvigorating the human body. New studies show that stem cell therapy can repair the heart without putting the patient at risk of obtaining cancer.
Science Mag said that senescent cells often trigger and fast track the aging process. And as people age, they become more prone to various illnesses. One of these diseases connected with senescent cells is the possibility of developing blood clots.
