Researchers have developed a new method that can measure ageing in various animal species. This technique uses the so-called “ageing clock”, a way of determining how quickly cells and tissues grow older. What makes it special is that this ageing clock now functions reliably in both mice and humans.
This is important because many treatments that slow down ageing are first tested on mice. Because mice have a much shorter lifespan than humans, it is difficult to predict whether the same treatments will also work in humans. With this new clock, scientists can better compare how ageing progresses in both species.
The researchers are focusing primarily on the way cells respond to stress and damage. By improving these processes, cells can remain healthy for longer. The ageing clock helps to measure precisely which interventions work best, regardless of the lifespan of the animal.
This development opens the door to more targeted studies that could soon lead to better methods for healthy ageing. In the long run, that could mean new therapies become available to people more quickly and reliably.
Source: Reason
