Forget sagging skin and greying hair because scientists may have found a way to reverse ageing once and for all.
According to an exciting new study, published in the journal Cell, a new form of gene therapy had a rejuvenating effect in mice.
After undergoing six weeks worth of treatment, the rodents not only looked younger but had straighter spines and better cardiovascular health.
On top of that they experienced a boost to their immunity so were able to heal quicker when injured and the animals could live 30% longer.
Lead study author Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte told The Guardian: “Our study shows that ageing may not have to proceed in one single direction.
“With careful modulation, ageing might be reversed.”
Before you get too excited, it’s worth pointing out that the age-reversing techniques used on the mice aren’t immediately available for use in humans.
But the researchers reckon we’re about a decade away from clinical trials that target the same genes.
Juan added: “We believe that this approach will not lead to immortality.
“There are probably still limits that we will face in terms of complete reversal of ageing.
“Our focus is not only extension of lifespan but most importantly health-span.”
Meanwhile a previous study published in the journal Nature Medicine revealed that a certain fruit may have the power to stop us growing old.
In fact the food that’s key to turning back the clock is the pomegranate.
A team of Swiss scientists discovered that when we eat pomegranates, the gut magically transforms it into an anti-ageing compound called urolithin A (UA) during digestion.
Study author Patrick Aebischer said: “It's the only known molecule that can re-launch the mitochondrial clean-up process.
“We believe our research, uncovering the benefits of urolithin A, holds promise in reversing muscle ageing.”
