At all times people dreamed about the prolongation of life: the mysterious spell, the elixir of youth or rejuvenating apples. Scientists also do not leave attempts to create the “pill of youth”, which again would solve the problem of aging. And some believe that such a discovery is not far off.
To live twice as long
Most recently, in October 2018, the press reported that a group of researchers from Singapore has decided to do based on the famous anti-age medicine kind of elixir of youth. And they did it!
Experiments were carried out on worms, the lifespan of the drug which increased almost two times. The composition of the mix was part of an immunosuppressant, an antibiotic, a drug that can treat patients with type II diabetes, a local antiseptic and selective blocker of potassium channels. Scientists still keep proportion in confidentially in the home experiments are not repeated.
Special zones of the Earth
The second way, which was followed by scientists, is the study of the so-called “blue zones” of the Earth. That is, regions, home to most centenarians. This, for example, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda region in the United States and others. The researchers suggested that in all these regions, many people live to an old age, it should be between them something in common. And found that:
Active lifestyle
The inhabitants of these regions lead an active lifestyle, often involved in traditional crafts or such activities as cattle-breeding, agriculture. That is, their activity is natural: they are not loaded up a sweat at the gym, but are constantly in motion.
Food
The basis of the diet of long – lived products that are not subjected to special treatment: no sausages, soda or chips. And a lot of plant foods. The recommendation for a healthy diet we hear very often, and the experience of the “blue zones” only confirms its validity.
Lack of stress
The researchers note that almost all the “blue zones” people are very loyal to their families and believe in God. That is, are quite traditional, in a measured and calm way of life, avoiding stress. And also arrange a daytime Siesta, which also contributes to the unloading of the nervous system.
Rodents to the rescue
Hopes to uncover the secrets of longevity, scientists lay… naked mole rat. It’s a funny name is a rodent that lives in Africa. Why stare at it? Scientists safely assume that the animal has disabled the “program of aging”. He has an amazing ability to maintain the body on a level almost all his life. Besides it is not sensitive to pain, may live and function in the conditions of significant deficiency of oxygen, when other animals have not survived. And nerve cells successfully regenerated even after prolonged oxygen starvation.
The main feature that drew the attention of scientists, is that naked mole rats don’t get cancer. However, in 2016 there were reports that in the population it was noted two (!) case of cancer, but this is negligible compared to all other organisms. This is partly due to the fact that the diggers with age, retains the activity of the SMAD3 gene, which inhibits cell division. And the person he age off.
The body of this unusual animal is truly unique – similar to it in nature. And his genetic characteristics, scientists have yet to thoroughly examine.
The nature of the game
I must say that science knows of several cases of birth of unique people who didn’t age. The most famous Brooke Greenberg – the girl lived to 20 years, with the development of her body stopped at the period of childhood. According to various indicators (bone age, dental age) at the time of death she was 8-10 years.
Brooke had a unique ability to heal itself. For example, at the age of 4 years she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Girl in a coma, from which came in 2 weeks, and no traces of the tumor were not. Brooke has survived several bouts of the ulcers, stroke and epilepsy, but was able to recover. It looked like unexplained natural experiment. And who knows, maybe very soon researchers are still investigating the mystery of life extension. It is not excluded that will help stem cells. Read about them in our article.