American scientists from South Californian University managed to prolong life of unicellular organisms by 6 times.

Scientists stopped work of genes Sir2 and SCH9. The first one limits duration of life and spends energy on growth and reproduction. The second gene is responsible for nutrients transform to energy. Without these genes, cells decided that there is no storage of food and priority should be given to survival. As a result aging process slowed down and unicellular organisms under investigation lived for 6 weeks instead of 1 week.

Scientists began similar experiments with human cells and laboratory mice. According to first results the duration of life increases there, too.

Specialists suppose that basing on such gene`s modification methods of struggle with human and animal ageing can be invented.
sections: Nature & Health