BBC announces that a group of US scientists is making significant progress in the developing an ageing delaying procedure.

They have announced the discovery of a gene that can keep mice alive for 30% longer than normal. And you would be surprised to find out that humans have a similar version of the gene, which makes the scientists hope that one day they will be able to delay the ageing process.

The research team has found that by boosting the activity of the gene, they have extended the lives of male mice from two to three years.

"It could be one of the significant steps for developing anti-ageing therapy," Dr Makoto Kuro-o, assistant professor of pathology at the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center and senior author of the study, told Science magazine.

Klotho seems to delay many of the effects of old age, like the weakening of bones, clogging of the arteries and loss of muscle fitness.

But toying with the Klotho gene has also some disadvantages, such as the decrease in fertility. And the gene may also predispose people to diabetes.


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