Scientists closer to technique of reverse ageing

By switching on an enzyme that holds back molecular ageing, scientists have been able to reverse tissue degeneration in mice.

Although the study provides only a "proof of concept", drugs are already being developed that might do the same in humans.

Commenting on the research, Dr Lynne Cox from the University of Oxford, said: "This paper is ... extremely important as it provides proof of principle that short-term treatment to restore telomerase in adults already showing age-related tissue degeneration can rejuvenate aged tissues and restore physiological function."

Professor Tom Kirkwood, director of the Institute for Ageing, said: "Just how significant it will prove is as yet uncertain."