Genetic researches are on the spree to find out solutions to aging and create genetic treatments to slow the process of aging in human beings. The main aim in the course of developing genetic treatment is to understand the process of aging in us. Most of the experiments are conducted on organisms that have identical or similar behavioral pattern with humans. Some of these organisms are fly, worm, rodents and yeast through which the researchers find the genetic variations affecting the process of aging. Genetic studies and research have proved that a human when born comes along with 30,000 and odd active genes. Weak immune system, slow metabolism rate, fatigue and poor vision are some of the consequences we face when these genes slowly turn on to be inactive while aging.
Experiments conducted on aging have proved that genetic treatments can make one live six times longer than their normal lifespan. Geneticists claim that they can slower the process of aging by tapping the right factor(s) at the right time that controls aging.
Various genetic treatment tests were performed on single-celled organisms to see the effect of slow aging. These organisms were forced to an extreme survival mode where developed a pliable growth rather than growing up quickly to indicate aging. They became flexible towards body damages and acquired an ability to repair genetic defects that often led to aging.
Researchers think that a significant drop in calorie consumption stimulates a peculiar behavior pattern in an organism. Here the starvation eventually puts back growth and aging at the cost of reproductive ability till the appropriate amount of calories is taken. A serious attempt to replicate this behavior by altering the gene pool to develop anti-aging medication is on progression by scientists. If they succeed, the treatment would be a success without having to cut the calories.
As per geneticists, it is going to take another decade for the genetic treatment to be given on humans. For now the experiments on slow aging will be conducted on animals for a while. If humans have the same genetic mechanism, the research can manufacture medicines that can hold back ageing, especially in people who have a family. To add on, scientists at Stanford have proved that they have reversed the process of aging in mice, making the skin look as new as in just born.
Scientists assert that genome is highly plasticity and when the mystery of cell is understood it is feasible to rearrange the properties to reverse the aging process. But the researches have still not committed that their detection is yet to be experimented on humans.
An unbelievable 5.8 billion dollars was spent on skin and anti-aging products by many youth crazed people in the United States last year. This proves why many cosmetic giants mint money at the cost of aging. And this also encourages geneticists to find an ultimate genetic treatment to reduce the effects of aging even if it consumes extensive time and money.