'Supermodel granny' drug extends life in animals

Originally published by James Gallagher at BBC.com, 14 July 2024

Two mice, both the same age, the one on the left has aged normally, but the one on the right has been given an anti-ageing drug.

A drug has increased the lifespans of laboratory animals by nearly 25%, in a discovery scientists hope can slow human ageing too.

The treated mice were known as "supermodel grannies" in the lab because of their youthful appearance.

They were healthier, stronger and developed fewer cancers than their unmedicated peers.

The drug is already being tested in people, but whether it would have the same anti-ageing effect is unknown.

The quest for a longer life is woven through human history.

However, scientists have long known the ageing process is malleable - laboratory animals live longer if you significantly cut the amount of food they eat.

Now the field of ageing-research is booming as researchers try to uncover - and manipulate - the molecular processes of ageing. 

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