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Scientists Discover Possible Anti-Aging Gene

Posted by Zonk on from the old-people-getting-older dept.

werelnon writes "The BBC is running an article about researchers who seem to have discovered a gene which controls aging. By stimulating this gene, which when malfunctioning causes premature aging, scientists have managed to prolong the average life span of lab mice from 2 to 3 years. Because a very similar gene is present in humans it is quite possible it will do the same thing for people." From the article: "But there may be downsides with Klotho. The long-lived mice in the new experiments tend to be less fertile. And the gene may also predispose people to diabetes. The trick for researchers will be to find ways of getting the life-enhancing results of Klotho while avoiding the drawbacks."

1 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. Sounds familiar... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Doctor: Take this pill, but beware it carries a terrible curse!
    Homer: [worried] Ooooh, that's bad.
    Doctor: But it slows aging!
    Homer: [relieved] That's good.
    Doctor: It will render you infertile and may make you vulnerable to diabetes.
    Homer: [worried] That's bad.
    Doctor: But you will live longer!
    Homer: [relieved] That's good.
    Doctor: [very fast] Side effects include headache, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, vision problems, agitation, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, hypotension, rash or hives, seizures, and lightheadedness.
    Homer: [stares]
    Doctor: That's bad.