On Wednesday, a scientist discussed research involving the nematode worm C. elegans, which has a lifespan of approximately 15 to 40 days. His team conducts extensive experiments with these worms, noting that around 40% of drugs that extend the lifespan of C. elegans also have similar effects in mice. However, the applicability of these findings to humans remains uncertain, potentially reducing the effectiveness to less than 40% of that initial success rate.
Other researchers presented findings related to chemical processes at the cellular level, indicating that many aspects of aging are still not fully understood. Gaining comprehensive knowledge of aging at the molecular level may take years or even decades. This prolonged timeline raises questions about the practicality and effectiveness of current methodologies that transition from worms to mice and eventually to humans.
Sierra Lore, an aging researcher at the University of Copenhagen and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, has shifted her focus towards replacement therapies instead of deep molecular studies. She believes that understanding the molecular basis of aging may take a long time, prompting her to explore the potential benefits of existing replacement strategies. Lore’s background in molecular aging research led her to conclude that utilizing what is already known may be a more immediate approach.
In this context, the dialogue about direct interventions in aging, such as replacement therapies, raises questions about their efficiency compared to traditional research methods. The implications of such strategies, including their potential effectiveness in extending human lifespan, remain a topic of ongoing investigation.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/05/1123113/putin-organ-transplants-immortality-longevity-replacement/