Scientists extend lifespan of mice by 35%

Elixir of youth treatments that prevent ageing could be in prospect after an extraordinary experiment in which the lifespan of mice was extended by up to 35%.

The secret is simply to remove worn-out “senescent” cells that accumulate with age and have a destructive effect on the body, scientists found.

When this was done using a drug to activate a “suicide gene” in genetically modified mice, the effects were dramatic. Treated animals not only lived 25% to 35% longer, but in many respects they were healthier too.