Aging and lifespan of human beings is associated with body organ deterioration or decay and the occurrence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular failure and neurodegeneration. In the past decades, a lot of researches have been carried out to develop different biomedical-and biotechnology-related strategies, which have been applied to cure the life-threatening diseases including therapy of cancer and extend lifespan of human beings.
A research team from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan published a research article in the public domain (bioRxiv preprint) in April 21, 2023, which reported that a genetic modification or mutation in a mouse model extended its lifespan, healthspan and superpowered its cancer-fighting cells. The genetically engineered or modified mice had high anti-cancer capability.
The bone marrow mononuclear cells of mice model could be transplanted to ordinary mice to have the anti-cancer capability and extended lifespan characteristics. Using gene expression profiling analysis, the research team has identified changes of the expression of specific proteins and cellular pathways in the leukocytes of mice, which could provide the mice with anti-cancer and/or anti-aging characteristics.
The research team have indicated that the results of this study have significant implication for human health. They would apply them in the near future and if it is successful, they will apply for clinical trials.
Reference
Wang, J.-P., Hung, C.-H., Liou, Y.-H., Liu, C.-C., Yeh, K.-H. et al. (2023). Hematopoietic Transfer of the Anti-Cancer and Lifespan-Extending Capabilities of A Genetically Engineered Blood System. bioRxiv preprint, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 10.1101/2023.04.21.537849.
Fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for Australian eligible adults
Fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be available for Australian eligible adults. Australian adults, who have not had a dose or a confirmed COVID infection in the past six months, will be eligible to have a booster dose from 20th February 2023 according to the announcement of Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, Mr Mark Butler. This dose will provide them with additional protection against severe illness from COVID-19 infection.
