A Fountain of Youth in Mitochondria?

September 21, 2007

A recently discovered cell survival switch could be key to increasing longevity.

Cranking up an enzyme in a cell’s powerhouse–the mitochondria–makes the cell resilient to stress and death, according to a study published today in the journal Cell. The findings could provide a new set of targets for drugs to treat the diseases related to aging, including Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Scientists say that the research might also point to the long-sought source of caloric restriction’s life-extending benefits. (Technology Review)