Scientists Rejuvenate 53-Year-Old Woman’s Skin To Tackle Age-Related Diseases

Scientists at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, UK, have created new technology that can help tackle diseases that show up as you age. The researchers have successfully rejuvenated a 53-year-old woman’s skin cells to the extent that they now resemble that of a 23-year-old’s skin cells. The scientists, headed by Prof Wolf Reik, hope to be able to successfully do a similar rejuvenation of skin cells and tissues in other parts of the body to generate possible treatments for age-related diseases.

A BBC report explains that the researchers based their tech on techniques used to create the world’s first cloned sheep, Dolly, in 1996. With this new tech, the scientists want to find treatments for health issues like diabetes, heart disease and neurological disorders. "We have been dreaming about this kind of thing. Many common diseases get worse with age and to think about helping people in this way is super exciting," Prof Reik told the BBC.

The findings of this team’s research have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, eLife, but are at a very early stage. Prof Reik says that there are many scientific issues that need to be dealt with before clinical trials based on these findings can be started. For example, the IPS method used in this technique can increase the risk of cancer. Prof Reik and his team are confident, however, that now that skin cells can be rejuvenated, they can find an alternative, safer method to counter any risks. "The long-term aim is to extend the human healthspan, rather than the lifespan, so that people can get older in a healthier way," he said. Prof Reik also added that the first application of his findings would be dedicated towards creating medications that can help the skin of older people heal faster, especially if they have faced cuts or burns.

*Image used for representative purpose.