Science & Faith
Scientists Reverse 60 Years Of Aging In Human Cells
From ScienceDaily Top Science · October 21, 2026
Scientists at the University of Bonn and University Hospital of Bonn have reported a breakthrough in cellular reprogramming. According to the research published in the journal Aging Cell, researchers transformed immature red blood cells from an 80-year-old individual into neural stem cells. By using transcription factors to redirect genetic instructions, the team achieved a molecular age signature of less than 20 years, effectively reversing more than 60 years of cellular aging.
Unlike previous methods that required a pluripotent stem cell stage, this approach converted blood cells directly into neural stem cells. Professor Dr. Oliver Brüstle stated that this method allowed the rejuvenation process to occur gradually over 100 days, enabling scientists to track biological changes as they unfolded.
Researchers noted that while this does not establish a treatment for reversing aging in humans, the model could help investigate the molecular pathways of aging. This may eventually assist in understanding neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, where age is a primary risk factor.
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