11 Scientific methods to Slow down Aging process and Increase Longevity

Here are ways to slow down the aging process with the help of modern science and technology.

1- Remove aging cells

A team of scientists from the Mayo Clinic, USA, conducted studies in mice to find out the effects of anti-aging drugs (also called longevity therapies or senolytics).  They found that the drug eliminated aging cells, was able to prevent cell damage, restore physical function and prolong the lives of aged mice.

Meanwhile, Unity Biotechnology, USA, launched the first human clinical trials to test this anti-aging therapy.  Their goal is to cure knee arthritis, a disease closely linked with cellular aging in the joints.

2- Gene mutation

Have you ever wondered why some mammals live so long?  Researchers from the UK and Spain have been trying to find an answer to this question.  They linked specific genomes to those of long-lived primates using bioinformatics.  It is a field of science that uses the technologies of applied mathematics, informatics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and biochemistry to solve biological problems.

They discovered 25 genetic mutations that are involved in wound healing, blood clotting and cardiovascular treatment.  Now, they are using these results to study aging in humans.

3- Biomarkers of aging

A biomarker is an indicator that measures the severity or presence of certain disease states.  Biomarkers can be as simple as chemicals, like glucose as a marker for diabetes, or a gene or DNA marker as a marker for genetic diseases.

Steve Horvath, a bioinformatics expert, worked to generate reliable features of biological age. Horvath and a team of researchers developed a new biomarker of aging they called DNAm PhenoAge.  It is much better than previous biomarkers and can predict various outcomes of aging, including mortality from cancer or Alzheimer's.

4- Stem cell therapy against cancer and diabetes

The researchers were able to store certain stem cells and were able to stimulate these cells to develop into appropriate organs.  Stem cells are stored under low temperature conditions.  When needed, these cells will be used to regenerate cells and tissues.

One of the startup launched in 2018 was involved in the development of this type of therapy using placental stem cells to treat diseases such as cancer, Crohn's disease, diabetes.  

5- Soften wrinkles in the cell nucleus

As we age, we usually only care about the wrinkles on our faces.  However, there is a problem that needs more attention than that is wrinkles in the cell nucleus.

In 2018, researchers from the University of Virginia, USA, found that most aging agents, such as fatty liver disease, can be the result of the appearance of wrinkles in the cell nucleus, causing the nucleus to become curved and wrinkled. The fact that those wrinkles appear has a bad effect on the gene's activity that make it erroneous.

According to their studies, the virus can be modified to deliver lamin (intermediate filament) to human cells.  Lamin is a fibrous protein that provides structural and transcriptional functions in the cell nucleus which in turn can soften and smooth cell wrinkles.

6- 3D printing human tissue with capillaries

In June 2018, Prellis Biologics announced that they could print tissues with living human capillaries.  Printed tissues can be used for transplantation.  This advancement will make it possible to print vital organs and replace them for old, diseased or deformed parts.  This will greatly reduce the number of deaths due to the lack of organs for transplantation.

Recently, Israeli scientists have successfully used a 3D bioprinter to create a heart complete with tissue and blood vessels similar to a human heart, not only opening up new prospects for patients who need a heart transplant but  for patients in need of other organ transplants.

7- Transgenic

Over the past few years, researchers have made great achievements in the treatment and prevention of diseases by eliminating aging cells or those that have stopped dividing.  The scientists used transgenic methods and conducted initial experiments on mice.