New protein that could extend life
New research into the protein sirtuin has discovered that it could increase human life expectancy.
Originally used to to increase the longevity of yeast, the protein has been found to increase the life of some mammals. The hope is that this could be transferred to humans.
The particle strand of the protein is known as sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and scientists have observed that small mammals such as mice had a lower life expectancy when the protein was absent.
The protein works in yeast by allowing more cell division to occur. In mammals it could potentially slow DNA and chromosome reproduction and make the whole process more effective.
Results are still sketchy but scientists believe there is some hope for this protein to fight the effects of ageing.