Health

Longevity Research Focuses on Cellular Aging Reversal

Scientists are making progress in understanding and potentially reversing cellular aging processes. Clinical trials are testing interventions from senolytics to partial cellular reprogramming.

Senolytic drugs that clear "zombie cells" have extended healthspan in animal studies by 36%. Human trials for age-related diseases including osteoarthritis and lung fibrosis are showing promising early results.

Partial cellular reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has reversed age-related vision loss in mice and is entering human trials. The technique resets cellular age markers without causing cells to lose their specialized functions.

"We are not just adding years to life—we are adding healthy years," said longevity researcher Dr. David Sinclair. "The goal is to extend healthspan, not just lifespan."

Skepticism remains high. Many longevity claims are based on animal studies that may not translate to humans. The field has a history of overhyped interventions from resveratrol to metformin that showed disappointing results in rigorous trials.