Gene Tweaking Dramatically Extends Life

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. (More yeast stories.)