Blog
Aging process REVERSED in human cells for first time
Many people hope to reverse the process of aging in a bid to remain healthier and live longer. And now researchers have made a breakthrough!
As the body ages, it loses its ability to control how genes are regulated and they gradually become more damaged until we ultimately die. A gene is activated by signals from inside or outside the cell to make a molecular message known as RNA.
The decision on which type of ‘message’ is created by a group of around 300 proteins is known as “splicing factors”. However, as we get older the amount of splicing factors the proteins are able to make steadily decreases. Older cells are then ultimately less able to turn genes on and off to react to the environment which makes us more vulnerable to diseases which kill us off.
However, researchers at University of Exeter, UK, have found a way to turn splicing factors back on by treating old cells with a chemical that releases small amounts of hydrogen sulfide. They were able to increase levels of some splicing factors, and to rejuvenate old human cells.
Hydrogen sulfide is a molecule that is found naturally in our bodies and has been shown to improve several features of age-related disease in animals. But it can be toxic in large amounts, so Lorna Harries, Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics and Matt Whiteman, Professor of Experimental Therapeutics, needed to find a way to deliver it directly to the part of the cell where it is needed.
“By using a ‘molecular postcode’ we have been able to deliver the molecule directly to the mitochondria, the structures that produce energy in cells, where we think it acts, allowing us to use tiny doses, which are less likely to cause side effects,” scientists claim. The aging process in cells have successfully been reversed for the first time in a move which could help beat the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
C/o: Sean Martin, published Aug 14, 2018
Your Ever-Changing Skin
Last century the life expectancy was around 50 (in general). Now it is 90! We have been granted 40-plus years of active social roles. Great, right? But how young we feel and how we are perceived are not related! Looks are very demanding. Even the aging superstars are not exempt either. Their toolbox is full of support: botox for wrinkles, fillers for sagging, Spa pampering for rested appearance, plastic surgery for eye bags and face lift, tons of posh-brand cosmetics, including professional stylists!
- Warm and cozy room hosting a dressing area, a shower and a big bathtub with a lid. Rinse off before climbing in.
- The pod reeks chlorine that is used for keeping the germs at bay. The stink is even more offensive if you shut the lid! The salt concentration of the Dead Sea is around 31.5% and there are no common bacteria that can survive it. Magnesium sulfate at 25% should do the same. Have the manufacturers tested that ever?
- Water temperature is neutral. Lying in the pod your chest, knees and toes are sticking out and get chilled because of the natural evaporation process. Prevents complete relaxation. Wish the temperature of the pod was ajustable to each patron's needs ("Some like it hot, some like it cold...")
- Head support is absent. Since lower part of the face is still out, your head is tilted back too far to be comfortable. Inevitably you start moving it dow and up to relax stiffness. Suggest to have an inflatable neck support to prevent the "pinch".
- There are 3 buttons inside: light (color change or off), music, and communication. Bird songs and green light usually help me to unwind. But choice of music is pretty limited or absent (if Wi-Fi is not strong enough).
- Never touch your face! Your skin is very strong and protects you from the solution. But your eyelids are much thinner and if the salt gets into the eyes or in the nose it burns!!! Try not to lick the lips either.
- Refrain from the floating if you have shaved or epilated any part of your body. It will burn, too.
- Hair... Yes, you'd rather ask if a drier is available! And remember to bring your comb and styling products.
- After the shower would be lovely to apply a body moisturizer and face cream.
- I was not "walking on the clouds" after the session. I felt tired, went home and slept for a couple hours. The day was broken up.
- I fell 2 weeks before. Right knee was deeply scraped, swallen and bruised. Left ancle twisted badly, bruised and swallen. It started healing, but the bruised areas were still swallen and it was pretty painful to walk. Next day I realized the swellings were reduced dramatically (50%) and bruised areas changed colors and shrunk (about 40%)!!! No gels, pads or exercises gave me such results before!