Switching off parts of the genetic code could help people live longer, scientists believe Photo: Alamy
One potential problem is that the human body is extremely complex. Scientists may think they know everything but there is much still to learn. As with any huge complex system there may be connections between parts that remain unknown until that part is altered or removed. In the 1960s IBM's OS computer operating system was large. They stopped making fixes, when they learned that every time they fixed one problem another one popped up somewhere else. The human body is more complex and the relationship of the parts remain unknown. The same situation exists with psychiatric drugs. Though they are taken widely by an unsuspecting public there are no medical professionals or scientists who know all of the effects of one of the drugs on the body, no less when these prognosticators prescribe a cocktail of these chemicals. The potential to create unintended problems remains.
[From article]
The secret of extending life by decades may lie in switching off certain genes, scientists believe, after showing that small genetic tweaks can make organisms live 60 per cent longer.
Ten years of research by the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing and the University of Washington has identified 238 genes that, when silenced, increase the lifespan of yeast cells.
Many of the genes are present in mammals, including humans, suggesting that switching them off could dramatically increase lifespan.
“This study looks at aging in the context of the whole genome and gives us a more complete picture of what aging is,” said lead author Dr Brian Kennedy.
"Almost half of the genes we found that affect aging are conserved in mammals.
[. . .]
Earlier this year academics from the University of Southern California found that a five day diet which mimics fasting can slow down ageing, add years to life, boost the immune system and cut the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The plan restricts calories to between one third and a half of normal intake.
Last year the same team discovered that fasting can regenerate the entire immune system, bringing a host of long-term health benefits.
When humans tested out the regimen, within three months they had reduced biomarkers linked to ageing, diabetes, cancer and heart disease as well as cutting overall body fat.
Earlier this year academics from the University of Southern California found that a five day diet which mimics fasting can slow down ageing, add years to life, boost the immune system and cut the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The plan restricts calories to between one third and a half of normal intake.
Last year the same team discovered that fasting can regenerate the entire immune system, bringing a host of long-term health benefits.
When humans tested out the regimen, within three months they had reduced biomarkers linked to ageing, diabetes, cancer and heart disease as well as cutting overall body fat.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11925154/Deleting-genes-could-boost-lifespan-by-60-per-cent-say-scientists.html
Deleting genes could boost lifespan by 60 per cent, say scientists
Scientists have discovered more than 200 genes linked to ageing and have found switching them off extends life
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