 |
First Methuselah Mouse Rejuvenation 'M Prize' Awarded
The first Methuselah Foundation Rejuvenation 'M Prize" for Reversing Aging in Middle-Aged Mice Using Techniques Applicable to Human Beings has been awarded to Dr. Stephen Spindler, who lead an experiment to make mice biologically younger while extending their lifespans.
The research was first reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of science. Dr. Spindler demonstrated that middle-aged mice could achieve an average 15% longer life, accompanied by significant reductions in deaths from cancer. DNA microarray analysis showed that the mice actually became younger; this video of the elderly mice sprinting around in their cages makes its own statement. The results were achieved using calorie restriction in a group of mice starting at age 19 months.
The best news at all for those of us who cannot see imposing a calorie restriction diet on ourselves (even if caged) can take heart from this exerpt from Dr. Spindler's paper:
The Methuselah Foundation bears some striking similarities to the Ansari XPrize foundation, which recently awarded the first XPrize to SpaceShipOne.
Science fiction writers have already blazed the path when it comes to setting up foundations for longevity research. Perhaps the most famous early example is that of the Howard Families, from Robert Heinlein's 1941 novel Methuselah's Children. In the story, the Howard Foundation is started in the mid-1800's by Ira Howard, who died at 48 - of old age. He gave his life's fortune as a bequest to found an organization that would seek to lengthen the span of human life. The best way at that time was to make use of basic breeding principles to encourage marriages between people with healthy vigorous grandparents. Several hundred years (and a dozen or so generations) later, the descendants of the Howard Families typically lived to 120+ years of age.
This story has many examples of devices that have now come to pass (like the traffic control camera, a machine that searches for news based on your input like google news, and the Joy-boat junior that a private citizen can ride into orbit), so why not longevity?
If you are interested longevity research based on genetic heritage, read about Yoda - The World's Oldest Mouse. Yoda's lifespan was achieved without calorie restriction - the most common method of achieving longevity in mice and other mammals.
Read more at the Scientist Wins the First Methuselah Foundation Rejuvenation "M Prize" for Reversing Aging in Middle-Aged Mice Using Techniques Applicable to Human Beings press release. Dr. Spindler's results are summarized in this abstract.
Importantly, these results suggest that it should be possible to use rapid treatments with pharmaceuticals and other compounds to identify agents that mimic the rapid changes in gene expression caused by caloric restriction. The gene expression biomarkers of caloric restriction can also be used to develop pharmaceuticals targeted to its genomic effects.
The Methuselah Foundation is supported by individuals who are no longer willing to stand by and do nothing while the diseases of aging disable and then take their irreplaceable loved ones away. They are taking matters into their own hands and inviting others to join with them to cure and reverse aging. Among the over 100 donors and sponsors, including the X PRIZE Foundation, Foresight Institute, the Life Extension Foundation, Dr. William Haseltine -- Founder of Human Genome Sciences and Dr. Raymond Kurzweil -- noted futurist and entrepreneur.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 11/28/2004)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 3 )
Related News Stories - (" Medical ")
Spray-On Skin For Burns From ReCell Kit
Spray-on skin prepared from a patient's own skin cells may be the perfect choice for even severe second-degree burns.
Gregory Benford On Artificial Biological Selection for Longevity
Benford, a physics professor and sf writer, has put his money where Robert Heinlein's mouth was, and created a corporation to extend human life.
Your Thoughts On Youtube?
Scientists pull information out of the brains of people watching Youtube. Make up your own joke, but this method seems to work.
Death Algorithm Developed In Japan
Interesting work raises moral questions; I wonder if this algorithm will me made available in a simple home test.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
AirRobot Micro-UAV 'Fairies' In Shakespeare Play
At least they were not the 'rude mechanicals'.
Paralysis Ray Uses Photocontrolled Molecular Switch
Gerry was dubious. She had seen abortive attempts at paralysis rays before.
Brine Wells May Swallow Towns
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the Quadraturin essence in 1 cup of water.
Will In-Vitro Meat Change Our Lives?
ChickieNobs, anyone?
Walky iPhone Finger Gesture Robot Controller
Let your fingers - uh - your robot do the walking. And hopping.
OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Foils Carjacker
Better than a car chase.
Robot Martial Arts Videos
Robo-Shiko!
Interactive TV Patent From Sony
Can you dance faster than the White Clown?
Smart Contact Lens With Power Harvesting Circuits
Smart contacts with VR connections.
'Significant Amount' Of Lunar Water Found
Droogs! There's water ice on the moon!
FOXP2 Tweak Yields Planet Of The Apes?
Get your filthy words off me, you damn dirty ape!
Lev, Theremin-Playing Robot
Patsy Cline classic played by robot.
XT-1 Micro Mouse With Blazing Speed
These are fully autonomouse robots.
Escape Pods, Refuge Of ISS Astronauts From Space Junk
Who first thought about escape pods?
Steerable Bowling Ball Is A Cheesy Spherical Robot
Once the province of geeks, now in bowling alleys.
Bio-Mechanics And Micro-Robotic Flight
Micro air vehicles and insect flight.
