To those who are looking for the fountain of youth, you may not have to look far.  Scientists claim that they were able to successfully increase the lifespan in mice by reprogramming their body cells; a technique which they say "reverses" the ageing process.

Previous Attempts To Reverse Ageing In Mice Were Unsuccessful, But Not This Time

The research team led by Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte of the Salk Institute in the U.S. said that the mice used in the experiment lived up to 30 percent longer than untreated animals.  Previous attempts were unsuccessful because the mice developed tumors and died, but this time, they say the mice did not get cancer at all.

The researchers also reported positive results in tests on human cells in the laboratory.  Professor Belmonte said: "Our study shows that ageing may not have to proceed in one single direction."

"Obviously, mice are not humans and we know it will be much more complex to rejuvenate a person. But this study shows that ageing is a very dynamic and plastic process, and therefore will be more amenable to therapeutic interventions than what we previously thought," Belmonte added.

The Mice 'Looked Younger' During The Process

The scientists used a technique which involved stimulating four genes that are particularly active during the animals' development in the womb, made the mice "look younger", The Week reported.  The mice also showed muscle regeneration. 

A similar test was done on human skin cells "provides insight both into the cellular drivers of ageing and possible therapeutic approaches for improving human health and longevity", Salk Institute said.

Reports say that the scientists hope to use the technique to develop a drug that can "slow down, and even reverse the ageing process", although human trials could take at least ten years to start.  If this works, researchers predict that the technique could help people live past 100-years old.

Researchers were able to make mice subjects "look younger" by reprogramming their body cells.