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Silicon Valley’s Quest to Live Forever

Newyorker article about aging research. At least they gave both the conservative and more progressive camps a mention though it appears the author sides with the healthspan crowd.


A large article in the newyorker about longevity research. The conservative and the more radical approaches are discussed including SENS.

Amusing to note that the mainstream are portrayed as healthspanners and dont think its possible to comprehensively fix aging. Looks like we have much work to do to change that view.

Critical step in cellualr repair of damaged DNA identifi edwhich could be big for reversing aging and human trials will start within six months

UNSW researchers have identified a critical step in the molecular process that allows cells to repair damaged DNA – and it could mean big things for the future of anti-ageing drugs, childhood cancer survivors and even astronauts. It could lead to a revolutionary drug that actually reverses ageing, improves DNA repair and could even help NASA get its astronauts to Mars.

Their experiments in mice suggest a treatment is possible for DNA damage from ageing and radiation. It is so promising it has attracted the attention of NASA, which believes the treatment can help its Mars mission.

While our cells have an innate capability to repair DNA damage − which happens every time we go out into the sun, for example – their ability to do this declines as we age.

It’s Happening: Scientists Can Now Reverse DNA Ageing in Mice

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that allows them to reverse ageing in mouse DNA and protect it from future damage.

They’ve shown that by giving a particular compound to older mice, they can activate the DNA repair process and not only protect against future damage, but repair the existing effects of ageing. And they’re ready to start testing in humans within six months.

“The cells of the old mice were indistinguishable from the young mice, after just one week of treatment,” said lead researcher David Sinclair from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia and the Harvard Medical School in Boston.

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