Health & Science
Longevity science aims to extend both lifespan and healthspan—the years lived in good health. The field has accelerated rapidly, with breakthroughs across gene editing, stem cell therapies, organ replacement, and blood-based interventions. Most work remains in animal models or early human trials, but the trajectory suggests meaningful human applications within decades.
CRISPR-Cas9 and related technologies allow precise modification of DNA. In longevity research, gene editing is used to identify and alter genes that regulate aging.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to screen all 23,000 genes in the genome and identify regulators of aging in neural stem cells. They found that the gene Slc2a4 (encoding the GLUT4 glucose transporter) was elevated in older stem cells. Knocking out this gene or temporarily restricting glucose rejuvenated aged neural stem cells and improved neurogenesis in mice— effectively restoring the brain's ability to generate new neurons in old age.
Aging involves epigenetic changes—alterations in gene activity that accumulate over time. Activating Yamanaka factors (proteins that convert adult cells back to an embryonic-like state) has been shown to reverse aging-related epigenetic changes in mice and cultured human cells. Human applications are still in development, but the findings suggest aging may be partially reversible through targeted genetic intervention.
Stem cells can differentiate into many cell types and potentially replace damaged or aged tissue. Several approaches are advancing.
Scientists have created reprogrammed stem cells from the blood of people who lived past 100. These cells are shared with researchers worldwide to identify factors that contribute to longevity and healthy aging. Early experiments have already yielded insights into brain aging mechanisms.
Adult cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells, which can then be directed to become specific tissue types. This approach could enable personalized cell replacement therapies for age-related conditions—heart muscle, neurons, pancreatic beta cells, and more.
Parabiosis—surgically connecting the circulatory systems of young and old animals—has demonstrated that young blood contains factors that promote rejuvenation. Old mice exposed to youthful circulation showed improved physiological parameters, extended lifespan, and reduced epigenetic age in blood and liver tissue.
Young plasma transfusions have been shown to rejuvenate blood DNA methylation profiles, extend mean lifespan, and improve physical appearance in old rats. Conversely, aged blood transfers harmful factors—old blood induces cellular senescence in young animals after a single exchange. Pre-treating old animals with senolytic drugs (which clear senescent cells) reverses this effect.
Human translation is preliminary. Research is focused on identifying the specific blood factors responsible for these effects, which could lead to targeted therapies rather than whole-blood transfusions.
Organ failure is a major cause of death in old age. Demand for donor organs far exceeds supply. Xenotransplantation—transplanting organs from animals into humans—could address this shortage.
Pigs are physiologically similar to humans and can be genetically modified to reduce rejection. In 2024, researchers achieved consistent survival in consecutive pig-to- primate kidney transplants using 10-gene-edited (10GE) pigs, including long-term survival after more than 3 hours of cold preservation—a critical requirement for clinical feasibility. This was achieved with FDA-approved immunosuppression regimens.
Pig heart xenografts have been transplanted into human recipients, with comprehensive molecular analyses conducted to understand immune response and graft function. These clinical cases provide data for refining future trials.