Posted on 05/05/2014 8:15:43 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
It may seem the stuff of gothic horror novels, but transfusions of young blood could reverse the ageing process and even cure Alzheimers Disease, scientists believe.
Throughout history, cultures across the globe have extolled the properties of youthful blood, with children sacrificed and the blood of young warriors drunk by the victors.
It was even rumoured that the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il injected himself with blood from healthy young virgins to slow the ageing process.
Now scientists have found that young blood actually recharges the brain, forms new blood vessels and improves memory and learning.
In parallel research, scientists at Harvard University also discovered that a youth protein which circulates in the blood is responsible for keeping the brain and muscles young and strong.
The protein, known as GDF11, is present in the bloodstream in large quantities when we are young but peters out as we age.
Although both the discoveries were made in mice, researchers are hoping to begin human trials in the next two to three years, in studies which could bring rapid improvements for human longevity and health. This should give us all hope for a healthier future, said Prof Doug Melton, of Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
This will end badly.
Not sure there’s enough blood in the known universe to rejuvenate Pellousy or FineSwine. . . .
Great. Another 150 years of George Soros.
Christopher George has youth-giving blood that an evil millionaire wants.
Barry Sullivan would've been great as the evil millionaire.
This is news? Haitian baby blood has been on my menu for years.
If only they could harvest fetuses for this purpose...
So manufacture the protein in the laboratory!
Everything ends badly, but it’s still very interesting.
Bart also rejuvinated Monty Burns with a pint of blood in the Simpsons.
If think we are getting closer to being able to manufacture blood without the need for donors.
So manufacture the protein in the laboratory!
Probably not that simple. Lab produced vitamins don’t work as well as vitamins in food. And they have to work in combinations with other vitamins. The protein they are talking about might have to work with other things in the blood to be effective.
For all of the things I want to learn and do, I would require another 10-12 lifetimes.
I’m good with this...
reminds me of a story i read decades ago where they injected this bum with some stuff that made his a genius, the smartest guy on the planet. all seemed to be going well, until he started to fade back into his former self.
I understand the reasons for not allowing the sale of organs, but a few bucks a pint for blood from disease free young people in 3rd world countries to satisfy the vanities of rich folks doesn’t sound so awful.
Elizabeth Bathory looking up from hell laughing.
Yes but the HIV and Hep C that will, invariably, make it into the blood supply—not so good for longevity.
I only read the article quickly, but my impression was that they’re generating the “young” blood from autologous adult stem cells. Or at least that’s the plan.
i am not surprised.
the ability to make energy in the cell and use it for repair is greater. repair of themselves and thereby repair of larger structures, and creating new structures.
the dna teleomere lengths are longer in younger cells. meaning individual cell life is longer.
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