Science & Technology

Ancient bacteria could hold key to longevity

By T.K. Randall
September 21, 2015 ·  20 comments

Scientists have long sought a cure to age-related diseases. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 CSIRO Mankind has been obsessed with gaining immortality for thousands of years, but even despite the incredible advances in science and medicine achieved over the last few centuries our species still remains just as vulnerable to the ageing process as our ancestors were millions of years ago.

Now however a remarkable discovery made in Siberia may be set to change all that.

Scientists in Russia have revealed that they have been making significant progress towards turning a highly resilient type of bacteria - Bacillus F - in to a way to increase longevity in humans.

Tests carried out so far have yielded some promising results with mice, fruit flies, food crops and even human red blood cells showing notable improvements following treatment."The bacteria gives out biologically active substances throughout its life, which activates the immune status of experimental animals," said epidemiologist Dr Viktor Chernyavsky.

Some of the mice used in the tests were highly active and could even reproduce in to old age.

If all goes well the researchers are hoping that the discovery could eventually be turned in to a "fountain of youth" style elixir that could significantly improve a person's lifespan.

It could also be used to improve overall wellbeing so that people can stay healthier for longer.

Source: Mail Online | Comments (20)

Tags: Bacteria, Siberia, Longevity