Written by Ivey Ingalls-Rubin, Staff Writer

New studies have shown that young blood has reverse effects on aging when injected into older mice.

From the cinema to medicine, the holy and horrific, as well as our history to the present day, we’ve always been obsessed with blood. Recently, however, scientists have been truly grasping at the power and magic that red liquid that runs through our veins.

We’re all familiar with the famous fountain of youth, well for mice that fountain may not be filled with water, but with blood. A multitude of studies have shown that the blood of younger mice has reverse effects on aging when put into the circulatory systems of elderly mice.

They found that injections of a certain protein that is found abundantly in young mouse’s blood—or even full transfusions of young blood— resulted in dramatic improvements in the older mouse’s muscle and brain tissue. After four weeks, the stem cells in both those areas received large boosts of activity and were better able to produce neurons and muscle tissue.

The old mice, which were injected with the protein, or had complete blood transfusions, were now capable of navigating mazes much more quickly than before and could now run faster and longer on their treadmills. These “rejuvenated” mice easily outperformed the control group, who were only given saline.

The younger mice, however, who were injected with old blood received a significant setback in abilities. Their bodies reacted to the old blood, causing cell growth to slow and seemed to cause premature aging.

Though none of these studies have been conducted on humans, the concept that new blood has the ability to jump start the body surely gives scientists a clearer grasp on the role of blood in the body; as well as uncovering many more questions.

Is it possible that waking up stem cells could lead to their uncontrollable multiplication?

According to Irina M. Conboy, a professor of bioengineering at the University of California, Berkley, “It is quite possible that it will dramatically increase the incidence of cancer.”

Clearly, there is much more research to be done until we truly know the magnitude of this discovery in the terms of humanity, health and existence.

For more information please reference the original publication HERE.