Microbiologists patent experimental technique for longer, healthier lives

Eliminating senescent, or worn-out, cells, makes mice healthier and live longer, molecular biologists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota have found. The lifespans of mice were extended by 20-30%, their kidneys worked better and hearts were more resilient to stress, and they developed cancers at a later age. The researchers have licensed patents to develop drugs that can directly eliminate senescent cells or stop them from damaging neighbouring tissue. According to a fellow scientist, the team's study "gives you confidence that senescent cells are an important target," who added "I think there is every chance this will be a viable therapeutic option."

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