July 4, 2014

Cure for ageing finally discovered ... for flowers: Scientists alter plant genes to make them live TWICE as long



*  Scientists supressed 'Ephmeral1' gene to slow down ageing by half
*  Find could lead to better techniques that extend the life of cut flowers
*  For instance, cut flowers could absorb a solution that prevents the gene from becoming active

It sounds like the Holy Grail for humankind; a technique that could slow down ageing by up to half.
Now geneticists in Japan have found a way to achieve just that – albeit in a flower, and not a person.
The breakthrough allows bouquets to remain fresh for much longer and could help unravel secrets on how to prevent cell decay in other organisms.