Scientists have reversed ageing in mice

Scientists have partially reversed the ageing process in mice using genetic engineering. These mice showed signs of new growth of the brain and testes, improved fertility, and the return of a lost cognitive function. Scientists from Harvard and the University of New South Wales are working on the various aspects of the study. They are of the opinion that a major breakthrough in the research will help develop drugs that will restore youthfulness in human cells.

• • •

The first synthetic human chromosome

Chromosomes are considered the basic structures of heredity. They carry the codes that give rise to the expression of the characteristic features of an organism. Humans have 46 chromosomes. In 1997, a team of scientists J.J. Harrington, G.V. Bokkelen, R.W. Mays, K. Gustashaw, and H.F. Willard synthesized artiļ¬cial chromosomes. These chromosomes are stable up to six weeks. These chromosomes can be used as vectors to carry genes of interest into other cells and for the study of their expression.

• • •