Forever young

Science may have come up with the answer

If you thought reversing the ageing process was the stuff of science fiction, think again, thanks to new research. The secret lies locked in our cells and scientists at the University of Exeter in the UK seem to have found the combination. As our cells renew, over time they become like slightly blurry pages photocopied multiple times. “This is not just an effect of ageing – it’s a reason why we age,” explains study lead Professor Lorna Harries. By targeting our mitochondria (the power station within each cell) with small amounts of hydrogen sulphide gas, she and her researchers were able to reduce the number of cells that appeared older by up to 50 per cent. The science used in the study promises a future where we can keep our cells youthful and could be the basis of a new series of anti-degenerative drugs that will help people stay healthier for longer, staving off many so-called age related diseases.