Scientists Can Reverse Aging in Mice

The elixir of life

By Hope Corrigan

Researchers have been testing a compound that can activate the DNA repair process and reverse the effects of aging in mice.

In an article on Science Alert, lead researcher, David Sinclair from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia and the Harvard Medical School in Boston, talked about the effects of a cellular mechanism that can reverse DNA aging  in mice and is now ready to be tested on humans (!).

Sinclair explained that his team developed a drug that works by replacing a DNA repair compound that the body naturally loses with age.  He stated that the drug could allow for regenerative repair, and could be particularly effective for those exposed to radiation and children cancer survivors.

"This is the closest we are to a safe and effective anti-ageing drug that's perhaps only three to five years away from being on the market if the trials go well." Sinclair said. He and his team hope to start human trials before the end of the year.

For news on a very different kind of progress with mice, check out our best gaming mice of 2017.

Hope Corrigan is a freelance news writer for IGN. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch.

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