Morgan BellAntibiotic Delays Mice Aging
July 13th 2009 15:35
Scientists may have found the fountain of youth for geriatric rodents.
The antibiotic is called "Rapamycin".
It is already being used in humans to suppress the immune system in cancer and transplant patients. No one knows yet if Rapamycin slows aging in people or at what dose it might be effective, but due to its known ability to suppress the immune system in humans experts warn not to try it at home.
The researchers do not know how Rapamycin secures its anti-aging effect. It could be just halting tumors rather than delaying the aging process in general. The effectiveness of Rapamycin in extending the life of elderly mice was discovered by accident.
Rapamycin extended the lives of mice who were already 600 days old (the equivalent of 60 human years). The treatment was effecting in delaying aging even when administered late in life. The life span of these senior-citizens increased by 14 percent in the females and 9 percent in the males.
To prolong the life of a mouse scientists had previously needed to implement a very low calorie diet from a young age. There is also an ingredient in red wine (Resveratrol) that is thought to mimic the effects of caloric restriction on longevity.
CLICKHERE to view the full article at The New York Times.
The antibiotic is called "Rapamycin".
It is already being used in humans to suppress the immune system in cancer and transplant patients. No one knows yet if Rapamycin slows aging in people or at what dose it might be effective, but due to its known ability to suppress the immune system in humans experts warn not to try it at home.
The researchers do not know how Rapamycin secures its anti-aging effect. It could be just halting tumors rather than delaying the aging process in general. The effectiveness of Rapamycin in extending the life of elderly mice was discovered by accident.
Rapamycin extended the lives of mice who were already 600 days old (the equivalent of 60 human years). The treatment was effecting in delaying aging even when administered late in life. The life span of these senior-citizens increased by 14 percent in the females and 9 percent in the males.
To prolong the life of a mouse scientists had previously needed to implement a very low calorie diet from a young age. There is also an ingredient in red wine (Resveratrol) that is thought to mimic the effects of caloric restriction on longevity.
CLICKHERE to view the full article at The New York Times.
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Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Comment by Morgan Bell
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well if you had to see one running through your kitchen would you prefer one with botox tight skin or wrinkly old nanna complexion?
i think i know what you would choose . . .
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
If I did see one "running" through my kitchen, I'd be very shocked.
As a matter of fact, the scientific term for running in mice is "scurrying".
I'd rather see a one growing a human ear, just quietly.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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yeah what we really need is someone extremely dramatic to post the "mouse with an ear growing on it" pic once a week, completely out of context, for the purposes of creating hysteria
and we need the drama queen not to scurry off the second his sniffs out potential communist leanings
Comment by Michael 2
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PoetrymanPoetry
National Poetry Month
Go Green or Go Home
Energy Independence Now!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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yeah the rock stars must be drinking white wine instead of red wine
Comment by sam sall
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Immunosupression as you know may results in increased susceptibility to infections and possible development of lymphoma or other neoplasoms. Hence at more risk to get very sick and even die
Comment by Morgan Bell
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so you might live longer if you took up residence in a hypo-allergenic bubble?
the researchers have taken care to warn humans against experimenting with it themselves . . . but i guess vanity will make people do silly things sometimes