Lifeboat Foundation

Scientists at Cambridge and Leeds have successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice and say their discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent memory loss in people as they age.

In a study published today in Molecular Psychiatry, the team show that changes in the extracellular matrix of the brain — ‘scaffolding’ around nerve cells—lead to loss of memory with aging, but that it is possible to reverse these using genetic treatments.

Recent evidence has emerged of the role of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to learn and adapt—and to make memories. PNNs are cartilage-like structures that mostly surround inhibitory neurons in the brain. Their main function is to control the level of plasticity in the brain. They appear at around five years old in humans, and turn off the period of enhanced plasticity during which the connections in the brain are optimized. Then, plasticity is partially turned off, making the brain more efficient but less plastic.

“What is exciting about this is that although our study was only in mice, the same mechanism should operate in humans – the molecules and structures in the human brain are the same as those in rodents,” says Fawcett. “This suggests that it may be possible to prevent humans from developing memory loss in old age.”

An intriguing new study from researchers in the United Kingdom is proposing an innovative method to treat age-related memory loss. The preclinical research shows memory decline in aging mice can be reversed by manipulating the composition of structures in the brain known as perineuronal nets.

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are structures in the brain that envelop certain subsets of neurons, helping stabilize synaptic activity. They essentially put the brakes on the neuroplasticity seen in the first few years of life.

Continue reading “Preclinical study finds success in reversing age-related memory loss” »

The University of Surrey has built an artificial intelligence (AI) model that identifies chemical compounds that promote healthy aging—paving the way towards pharmaceutical innovations that extend a person’s lifespan.

The SENS Research Foundation has apparently already raised four times its annual income thanks to the PulseChain Airdrop.

The PulseChain airdrop supporting aging research

Richard Heart, the founder of HEX, is about to launch a new cryptocurrency called PulseChain. As part of that launch, he has also arranged an airdrop to give away some of the new cryptocurrency in order to support the SENS Research Foundation (SRF).

Paper referenced in the video:

Potential reversal of epigenetic age using a diet and lifestyle.
intervention: a pilot randomized clinical trial.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8064200/

Continue reading “Epigenetic Age Reduction Within 8 Weeks: Real Effect Or Statistical Noise?” »

We probably at this point should make all animals immortal: 3.

The advance promises to unlock new insights into human biology and disease, aiding in the study of everything from the developing immune system to tissue regeneration to skin cancer.

“Studying biodiversity is not just about exploring the biology of a bunch of interesting organisms, but ultimately for a better understanding of human biology,” developmental biologist and lead study author Hiroshi Kiyonari said via email.

Continue reading “Scientists produce first genetically engineered marsupials” »

The human trial of plasma dilution started in Russia last week. The lead researcher is checking how the biomarkers of aging will change in response to 110% plasma replacement during the therapy, and the difference between the group with albumin addition and without albumin. The trial is open to both Russian citizens and people from other countries. It is a hybrid model where part of the expenditures is paid by the volunteers, and part is provided by the patron of the research. This model allowed to get the trial started in record time — less than 9 months from conception to the start date.

The research group wants to test plasmapheresis in combination with other longevity therapies next to see if plasma dilution prior to the other therapy can enhance the results.

Continue reading “Clinical Trial: Does Plasma Dilution Delay Aging? | Lifespan News Extra” »

varying in age between 18 and 88, only 33% of them said they would be willing to take a pill that allowed them to stay alive at their current age.

If you were asked to participate in this survey, would you be willing to take an immortality pill? Would it matter what age you were before taking it?

In The Last Generation to Die, we explore the difficult conversation of what is to be done for the elderly who might miss out on the benefits of enhanced longevity. But if these companies somehow achieved their goal, however farfetched, that conversation would become moot.

Would you want to resurrect a lost loved one if given the opportunity?