Categories: Uncommon Science

Have We Finally Found the Elixir of Life?

Published by
Valerie Soleil, B.A., LL.B.

Since long, human beings have tried to look for a way to increase their average life span. This venture has not only been explored in the field of science but even in mysticisms, philosophy, and history.

The fountain of youth or the elixir of life has been sought after by many, and it seems that researchers from the Institute of Regenerative Medicine in Pittsburgh might have found the key at last.

It has already been discovered that degeneration of the body due to age is primarily focused on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore researches have based their studies on this system for a solution to live a long life.

Scientists at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine conducted experiments based on the musculoskeletal system. They experimented on mice that were genetically engineered to age at a very fast rate. They then injected these mice with muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs). MDSPCs are cells that are multipotent in nature.

They are taken from the postnatal skeletal muscle. They have a lot of characteristics that consequently promote longevity such as oxidation resistance, inflammation resistance, proliferation over a larger time period. The cells undergo cell renew constantly, not only this they are also the primary agents that lead to the regeneration of various muscles like the bones, skeletal, and cardiac muscles.

This research also points to the fact that the decrease or lack of such cells could be the main cause of osteoporosis and other age degenerative related issues.

The results produced from this experiment were extraordinary. The normal age of these genetically modified mice was 21 days. Just four days before they were due to die they were injected with the MDSPC.

The life span of the mice was observed very closely and it was seen that the mice went on to live for 71 days over their expected time of death. The mice lived for a total of three times their normal age.

The implications of such a result for humans are overwhelming. This means that with such cells in their system, humans can go on to live for approximately 200 years. This research was then published in Nature Communication by Mitra Lavasani.

One of the biggest needs of this hour though is that instead of trying to best other researchers in this field and looking for pits in other researches, scientists need to come together and find a solution to this paradox. Only with the collaborative efforts of all the researchers, global issues such as this one can be resolved.

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  • why on earth should humans live 200 years, or even a hundred years? Can you imagine what the population would be if everyone lived that long? How long would you have to work? you'd never get to retire! This sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen.

  • In agreement with the last two posts, as well as the first, which is far more magnanimous. Probably keeping better company, eh Ms. Imran?

    Still more beneficent is Anna's hope, call for and desire for the world's communities to unite in common cause for the greater good. I like the theme, the ideal and the intention.

    Yet, in my heart of hearts it gives me pause to imagine the globe overrun by citizens unenlightened to the virtues of 'the greater good' for all.

    Perhaps some are considering a plan to test the potentials by making these exciting developments available to some limited number of, shall we say, 'Qualified candidates.'

    Imagine a world where Stephen Hawkins, Tesla, Dear Albert, et others highly desirable for their mental, emotional and humanities based qualifications coupled with their uncompromising acceptance of this brave new world gift.

    The list of nominees staggers the mind. How many might choose to outlive everyone they've known for 200 years, is an unprecedented value.

    In a perfect world they may continue to evolve and revolutionize human thought and understandings, happily. Yet, the devil is in the details, as we say.

    What emotional, physical and psychological consequences arise to complicate their individual lives, is an unknowable at present.

    Imagine a Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush, serial killer, Dr. Seuss, Dr. Patch Adams, future Madame Curie, Watson and Crick, Dr. Salk, Richard Nixon, Karl Rove, future Adolf Heinyler, Etc. Each with the 200 year potential. It boggles my pointy head to distractions!

    Are we building a new tower of Babel, tower of Piza, Oligarchies, visions of Dante's Inferno, or systems and structures to bring untold value and beauty to humanity?

    Its just a question... with answers coming soon to your neighborhood.

    I'd like to hear from more others with perspectives and civil ruminations.

    What would you think if you could live for 200 years? Or, if you could give that gift to someone else.

    How and what... and who would you choose to do it, if you wanted to?

    Let's hear it, just for grins, ok?

  • Longevity has always fascinated me ! As a screenwriter, I have already organized my thoughts and plan to write a full-length drama on this subject ! For human life expectancy to be stuck on 75 years, is a tragedy ! I would be thrilled to death to live to see and play with my future grand and great grand and great great grand children, 150 years from now ! Thank you for sharing this wonderful and insightful information ! Drink in Peace ! :)

  • A cure for cancer would do more to increase average life span than something like this. Also, I wouldn't jump to any conclusions that suppose humans can or will live to be hundreds of years old. Most likely, at best, a crowning achievement of this type of research would lead to extending the quality of life, not necessarily the length.

Published by
Valerie Soleil, B.A., LL.B.