Scientists Reverse 60 Years of Cellular Aging in 80‑Year‑Old Blood Cells

Researchers converted blood cells from an 80‑year‑old donor into neural stem cells that exhibit a molecular age of fewer than 20 years, effectively reversing more than six decades of cellular aging in the laboratory. The experiment used a combination of genetic and epigenetic reprogramming techniques to reset the cells’ epigenetic clock. The resulting neural stem cells retain the donor’s genetic background while displaying youthful characteristics, such as increased proliferation and differentiation potential. This breakthrough demonstrates that age‑related epigenetic marks can be erased and that mature blood cells can be redirected toward a neural lineage. The study provides a new platform for probing the biology of cellular rejuvenation and offers a tool for testing therapies aimed at age‑related disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.