Discovering The Secret To Anti-Aging

Everyone wants to be young for as long as possible. This is why thousands of products are aimed at an audience with the sole purpose of ‘anti-aging.’ That is not all; you’ll come across many articles, magazines, and even research that talk about slowing down the signs of aging as much as possible. The new generation is eagerly incorporating skincare as an essential in their daily lives.

This increased focus on anti-aging has also opened doors for many industries like the skincare industry, the cosmetic industry, and plastic surgery, continuously developing new ways for people to appear younger. Now, even scientists are working towards discovering a way to slow down and eliminate the process of aging. So, the question is: Can they find a way to do so?

Angela/Pexels | Girls as young as 14 are being taught to keep their skin healthy and fresh

What Was The Discovery About?

Around 15 years ago, Kyoto University’s scientists made a shocking discovery when they introduced four proteins to a skin cell and waited for results. The skin cells showed remarkable and unexpected transformation. They turned into stem cells almost like the way they were at the start of the experiment, which means that the scientists had successfully reversed the skin cell aging process. The experiment is now being observed as researchers are extracting cells from a 101-year-old in hopes of rewinding the aging process and make the skin cells act as if they’ve never aged.

Rodnae/Pexels | So, could scientists unlock the secret to anti-aging?

Cellular Reprogramming

This science experiment was named cellular reprogramming. Over the years, it has been extensively studied and examined by a huge number of biotech companies and laboratories since this scientific breakthrough can change the perception of aging forever. The researchers experimented with different dosages and quantities of the reprogramming proteins and tested them out on lab animals. They are confident that the evidence that was shown clearly makes them younger or at least rejuvenates their organs. 

Richard Klausner, a key promoter of this concept, showcased the data from the unpublished experiments in San Diego where sick mice started showing signs of being healthy after undergoing the experimentation. According to Klausner, this was a ‘medical rejuvenation’ and, with the help of his wealthy and ultra-rich investors, he is willing to launch a technology company to work on the project called ‘rejuvenation programming.’ As of now, Klausner’s Altos Lab has managed to seed with more than $3 billion, welcomed the top scientists in this field, and even offered them salaries of $1 million and more.

How Does It Work?

Cellular reprogramming is showing great results through the experiments that were conducted and work by simply resetting the epigenome. Epigenome overlooks all the modifications that dictate how genes express themselves by marking on the DNA. However, when aging occurs, it is usually because some markers are being flipped in the wrong positions. Cellular reprogramming enables them to flip back, reversing the effects of aging.

Arina/Pexels | It also holds a possible risk as it can also change the cells less favorably, leading to cancer

Do you think scientists will be able to develop a technology that could reverse aging?