Harvard scientists claim to have developed a “Fountain of Youth” pill
The researchers have isolated six unique chemical mixtures with the potent ability to reverse the aging process in both human and mice skin
[Nov. 14, 2023: JJ Shavit, The Brighter Side of News]
We see this as a 'breakthrough'," stated Dr. David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School and a co-author of the study. (CREDIT: Creative Commons)
In a major step forward towards achieving what many may call the 'fountain of youth', a team of scientists from Harvard University have recently released their extensive research on age reversal. As written in their recent paper, published in the renowned scientific journal Aging, the researchers have isolated six unique chemical mixtures with the potent ability to reverse the aging process in both human and mice skin cells.
"We see this as a 'breakthrough'," stated Dr. David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School and a co-author of the study. It is seen by Dr. Sinclair and his team as a significant milestone on the road towards "affordable whole-body rejuvenation."
Considering the seismic implications of such a discovery, it is unsurprising that the news has captured the interest of numerous influential figures, including business magnate and futurist, Elon Musk, who inquisitively queried, "Ok, so what exactly is it?"
The research team employed a high-throughput cell-based screening technique to differentiate younger cells from their aging, senescent counterparts. Senescent cells, those which have ceased their multiplication process, stand as a distinct marker of aging.
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With the ability to swiftly test an astronomical range of samples, from thousands to millions, for biological activity at various levels (from model organisms to molecular levels), the high-throughput screening method proved instrumental in this ground-breaking study.
To discern the specific markers of aging, the scientists used a combination of transcription-based aging clocks and real-time nucleocytoplasmic protein compartmentalisation (NCC) assays. NCC is a crucial function in diverse cell types, including stem cells, bone cells, and muscle cells.
The product of this extensive research is the identification of six chemical concoctions which, as per the press release, "restored NCC and genome-wide transcript profiles to youthful states and reversed transcriptomic age [biological age] in less than a week."
The testing of these mixtures on mice and human cells yielded promising results, suggesting a rejuvenating effect across all six combinations.
Dr David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study. (CREDIT: LinkedIn)
"The effect of this four-day treatment is comparable to the total change seen after a year of a regenerative treatment described in a landmark study from 2019, which also focused on restoring epigenetic information," the researchers affirmed. The change in age was evaluated using both rodent and human transcriptomic clocks, predictive models of biological age utilizing gene expression data.
"This new discovery offers the potential to reverse aging with a single pill, with applications ranging from improving eyesight to effectively treating age-related diseases," projected Dr. Sinclair.
However, as with any scientific breakthrough, the study has its share of skeptics. Biogerontologist Matt Kaeberlein acknowledged the potential of the innovative screening method to catalyze significant discoveries but also expressed reservations about the preliminary nature of the study.
The NCC reporter system to monitor cellular senescence. The NCC reporter system integrated in human fibroblasts. (CREDIT: Aging)
Kaeberlein suggested that the team ought to have validated at least one of the concoctions through an animal model and demonstrated improvements in age-related health metrics or lifespan before making such impactful claims regarding biological aging.
Another voice of concern was that of Dr. Charles Brenner, a metabolism researcher, who raised apprehensions about three compounds featured in the study: CHIR99021, which inhibits glycogen formation during sleep; tranylcypromine, an antidepressant; and valproic acid, a treatment for bipolar disorder with potential liver-related side effects.
"The study overlooked the potential risks of these compounds. These are generally not safe alone or in a combination," Brenner warned. Further, he criticized the study for its lack of single-cell sequencing to evaluate cell identity. Noting that these chemical concoctions were initially reported back in 2013, Brenner argued that the compounds are not new discoveries and this is "not a groundbreaking study on reversal of aging."
Thus, while the study has sparked wide-ranging responses, the consensus remains clear: further research and meticulous analysis are indispensable before the advent of a bona fide Fountain of Youth pill can be declared.
The term 'Fountain of Youth' is derived from an age-old legend, a mythological spring believed to bestow the boon of youth upon those who drink or bathe in its waters. The concept has found a place in countless narratives for thousands of years, featuring in the writings of the ancient historian Herodotus, the Alexander romance, and the tales of Prester John.
While its exact location remains a subject of debate, the Fountain of Youth has been famously associated with Florida, purportedly discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the first recorded European to land there, although there is no concrete historical evidence supporting this claim.
Today, the term 'Fountain of Youth' is used metaphorically to represent anything offering the potential to extend life span or reverse the effects of aging, ranging from scientific innovations to novel skincare products or beneficial lifestyle changes. As the Harvard research continues to unfold, one can only speculate whether the dream of the legendary Fountain of Youth is inching closer to reality.
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