Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 7, 2008 8:16:06 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Gene Tweaking Dramatically Extends Life

Posted Jan 14, 08 5:33 PM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – In a breakthrough that may have implications for humans, researchers have made the lifespan of yeast 10 times longer, doubling the previous record for life expansion, LiveScience reports. Genetic alteration and a low-calorie diet prolonged the microbe's existence from the typical 1 week to 10 weeks. The scientists involved have turned their attention to Ecuadorians with similar mutations.

"We expected a small boost in longevity, but not a 10-fold increase—it’s remarkable,” said the lead researcher. He said he believes organisms are designed to pool their resources into growth and reproduction. When genes involved in growth and cancer development were disabled, that caused the yeast to shift its resources to protecting the body.

Source LiveScience

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Missing Genes Can Thwart Doping Tests

    Apr 30, 08 2:09 PM CDT
    Missing Genes Can Thwart Doping Tests Testosterone injections are among the most common performance-enhancing drugs detected in athlete screenings, but some lucky competitors can take them without fear of exposure, the New York Times reports. Of 55 men given testosterone in a recent study, 17 came up clean on a drug test because they're missing the pair of genes that cause testosterone to dissolve in urine. More »

  • Researchers Let the Cats Out of the Bag

    Mar 17, 08 12:57 PM CDT
    Researchers Let the Cats Out of the Bag Cats don't talk, but their genes can tell a good story, and they're revealing plenty about the animal's 10,000-year history. DNA samples from more than 1,100 cats, from fancy show breeds to wild animals from around the world, are confirming earlier discoveries as well as refuting some claims, reports the Washington Post. Persians, for instance, appear to be Western European in origin. More »

A lab technician works with Yeast agar (Yeast glucose chloramphenicol) in this undated file photo.   (Shutter Stock)
Shown here is a molecular model of a stretch of DNA.   (Shutter Stock)
A lab technician works with Yeast agar (Yeast glucose chloramphenicol) in this undated file photo.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 4)

Tags

DNA  • genetics  • genes  • life expectancy  • longevity  • microorganisms


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »