Ground Report

Researchers have identified genes that perform a key role in the ageing process, boosting efforts of scientists aiming to possibly extend the natural human life span. The study appearing in the journal "Genome Research" looked for genes that control the aging process in two primitive organisms, yeast cells and nematode worms-separated by 1.5 billion years of evolution. By mapping how different genes play their role in the aging process,researchers hope to identify ways to treat old age diseases and possibly slow down the process itself. Brian Kennedy at the University of Washington in Seattle and his team found that of the 276 genes known to affect ageing in nematode worms,only 25 were also present in yeast. At least 15 of these have similar versions in humans.