Harvard researchers find protein that could reverse the aging process

• Researchers from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have shown that injections of a protein in to older mice, appear to cause a reversal of many signs of aging.

• The protein is also found in humans as well as mice, and is now being considered for possible human testing due to its surprising and apparently regenerative properties.
• The mice were regularly exposed to the blood of younger mice whose blood carried a higher concentration of GDF11. 

• In terms of human applications, it is hoped that a drug derived from GDF11 will lead to a cure for conditions such as diastolic heart failure.  

• Analysis showed that every major organ system tested displayed signs of improvement, with the protein even appearing to reverse some of the DNA damage which is synonymous with the aging process itself.