Scientists offer hope for ageing muscles

DRUGS could one day be used to reverse the muscle-wasting effects of ageing, new research suggests.

Scientists have identified a key process responsible for muscle-weakening in old age and used a chemical to block it in mouse studies.

The findings could pave the way to body-building anti-ageing drugs that keep people strong and fit near the end of their lives.

A team of British and American researchers looked at the way stem cells in muscle repair damaged tissue by dividing and developing into numerous new muscle fibres.

JOHN VON RADOWITZ