German scientists reverse cellular aging by 60 years in laboratory test

Scientists at the University Hospital of Bonn and the University of Bonn in Germany have successfully reversed more than 60 years of cellular aging in a laboratory setting, Science Daily reported. The researchers took blood cells from an 80-year-old individual and converted them into neural stem cells that showed a molecular age signature of less than 20 years. [1]

According to Science Daily, the team achieved the cellular transformation by reprogramming immature red blood cells. These newly created neural stem cells retain the capacity to eventually develop into functional brain cells. [1]

Rejuvenation research often targets biological processes such as epigenetic dysregulation, cellular senescence, and stem cell exhaustion. A key method in the field involves partial epigenetic reprogramming using Yamanaka factors, which reset age-associated markers without inducing full pluripotency. [4]

Science Daily reported that this scientific discovery provides a new method to investigate how human cells become younger. The advancement could assist researchers in better understanding and treating age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. [1]