Posted by
Diocuore on Thursday, July 09, 2009 3:34:41 PM
Scientists discover Easter Island 'fountain of youth' drug
that can extend life by ten years
Longer lives: In tests, the anti-ageing pill increased the life expectancy of animals by 38 per cent - scientists are now looking at how it benefits humans
A miraculous 'elixir of youth' which could extend the human life span by more than a decade is being developed by scientists.
The anti-ageing pill was created from a chemical found in the soil of Easter Island - one of the most remote and mysterious places on the planet.
In tests on animals, the chemical increased life expectancy by a staggering 38 per cent.
While the breakthrough sounds like something out of science fiction, scientists say the discovery is a major leap towards longer lives for everyone.
The drug, rapamycin, is already used to suppress the immune systems of organ transplant patients.
It is also employed in heart operations and is being tested for its anti-cancer properties.
The scientists believe that the drug could be developed within a decade.
Dr Arlan Richardson, who led the research at the University of Texas, said: 'I never thought we would find an anti-ageing pill for people in my lifetime. However, rapamycin shows a great deal of promise to do just that.'
An anti-ageing pill is a Holy Grail for medical research and its development would have major repercussions for society.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1198366/Fountain-youth-drug-extend-life-decade.html