Scientists at Texas A&M have developed a method to recharge aging cells in hopes of helping people fight diseases and physical deterioration as they grow older.
by CORY SMITH | The National News DeskScientists at Texas A&M have developed a method to recharge aging cells in hopes of helping people fight diseases and physical deterioration as they grow older. Akhilesh Gaharwar, a biomedical engineer and one of the researchers on the project, said they’ve found a way to boost the production of mitochondria, which he described as “tiny batteries” within our cells.
Our cells produce fewer mitochondria as we age, and the mitochondria that are produced generate less energy. Mitochondria are vital parts of our cells, along with DNA and other things that make us who we are. Mitochondria are present in almost all of our cells but blood cells. They are present in cells that make up your vital organs, brain, muscular system, skeletal system and more.“All these cells are driven by energy, and if the energy input is being reduced, they will also start functioning slower,” Gaharwar said. “So, for example in neurodegenerative diseases, a lot of neurons needs lot of energy in order to transmit signal. And if the mitochondria becomes less effective, then the neuronal cells cannot transmit signal very efficiently. The similar case with muscle.”a nanotechnology that can go inside a stem cell or any other cell and increase the number of mitochondria in those cells. “And when these cells have surplus of mitochondria, then they are much more willing to share those mitochondria with their neighbors,” he said. “So, they can donate these mitochondria to the neighbors, which needs them. And what we had observed is that when the new mitochondria go inside these dying or aging cells, they basically can replenish cellular function." They’re now testing their discovery on small animals, expecting to publish their results on the next phase within the next couple of years.“We are not doing anything unnatural,” Gaharwar said. “We are leveraging the natural system and boosting its production.”Gaharwar said their work, which needs additional funding to push forward, holds the potential of restoring cellular function and promoting healthier, slower aging.The mother of an 8-year-old Round Rock girl reported missing last week has been arrested after investigators determined she and another woman conspired to hideUPDATE: The Williamson County Sheriff's Office stated around 4:15 p.m. Sunday thatWilliamson County deputies are looking for a missing 8-year-old girl last seeFire at SE Austin apartment construction site controlled, cause under investigationA Georgetown community is reeling after police ruled the deaths of two men in a house fire a double homicide. Investigators say both men were killed before the
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