Topic: Gene change allows organisms to live 6 times longer.

[Nemesis]

Link to full article

· Organisms live six times longer in laboratory tests
· Cells genetically 'tricked' into slow-ageing mode


A genetic experiment to unlock the secrets of the ageing process has created organisms that live six times their usual lifespan, raising hopes that it might be possible to slow ageing in humans.

The geneticists behind the study say the increase in lifespan is so striking, they may have tapped into one of the most fundamental mechanisms that controls the rate at which living creatures age.

The tests were carried out in single-celled organisms, forcing them into what the researchers refer to as an "extreme survival mode". Instead of growing quickly and showing signs of ageing, the organisms became resilient to damage and were better able to repair the genetic defects that build up with age, often leading to cancer in later life.

Other prior experiments have also had interesting results.  I have read of another gene that slowed aging and increased life spans by 50%. Also breeding experiments that by limiting reproduction to late in the reproductive cycle increased lifespan by 100% in 10 generations.

[The Postman]

Other prior experiments have also had interesting results.  I have read of another gene that slowed aging and increased life spans by 50%. Also breeding experiments that by limiting reproduction to late in the reproductive cycle increased lifespan by 100% in 10 generations.

This is the 1st step towards the Howard families.

[Nemesis]

Other prior experiments have also had interesting results.  I have read of another gene that slowed aging and increased life spans by 50%. Also breeding experiments that by limiting reproduction to late in the reproductive cycle increased lifespan by 100% in 10 generations.

This is the 1st step towards the Howard families.

Another Sci Fi author getting things almost right.  Breeding for longevity he got right.  But he had the Methuselahs reproducing young and old.

Of course the interesting thing is combining them.  The two gene flips for example if they multiply one another makes the life span go to 9x (700+ years).  Methuselahs Children indeed.

[Sirgod]

Wasn't there some work done with Fruit Flys a few years ago, on this exact thing?

Stephen

[E_Look]

How do they prevent cancer?  These changes alter the telomeres and telomerase in the cell, right?  The problem is, when there's a bad cell, it doesn't self-destruct.

[Nemesis]

How do they prevent cancer?  These changes alter the telomeres and telomerase in the cell, right?  The problem is, when there's a bad cell, it doesn't self-destruct.

The article did not mention telomeres or telomerase. 

The researchers believe that the Sir2 gene normally plays a role in restricting an organism's lifespan, and allows energy from the food it eats to be directed into growth and reproduction. By blocking the gene, the cells were essentially tricked into believing food was scarce and switched them into a survival mode.

Instead of growing quickly and showing signs of ageing, the organisms became resilient to damage and were better able to repair the genetic defects that build up with age, often leading to cancer in later life.

The gene change might actually enhance cancer resistance.

[Death_Merchant]

Zardoz !!!

"The gun is good! The penis is bad!"