While fasting, the human body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, which means that the body begins to rely on fat instead of glucose as a source of energy. One of these energy sources, collectively known as ketones, is a molecule called β-Hydroxybutyrate.
According to senior study author Dr. Ming-Hui Zou, "previously, studies on ketone bodies focused on energy metabolism, but this study showed that there are other physiological effects which regulate cell cycle to retardate aging progression."
A previous study, carried out at Harvard University in 2017, found that the activity of mitochondrial networks inside our cells can become altered due to fasting, in turn leading to better health, slower aging, and an increased lifespan.
Zou's study, though, aims to explore how high levels of β-Hydroxybutyrate might display similar effects by interfering with senescent cells, which are cells that are unable to divide or multiply.
The team discovered that β-Hydroxybutyrate actually slows down these senescent vascular cells at the perfect moment, which prompts them to divide, thereby preventing them from aging. When tested on mice, the team discovered that it was also able to keep blood vessels young by promoting stem cell factors that protect against DNA-related senescence.
"We think this is a very important discovery, and we are working on finding a new chemical that can mimic the effect of this ketone body's function," said Zou.
"We're trying to take the global approach to reducing cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. It's difficult to convince people not to eat for the next 24 hours to increase the concentration of this compound, and not everybody can do that, but if we can find something that can mimic this effect and people can still eat, it would make life more enjoyable and help fight disease."
6 Coronavirus Indicators That You May Not Have Heard Of
Here, we list some of the more unusual and lesser-known COVID-19 symptoms you might not be aware of yet.
Warning! Get Your Flu Shot Now Before It's Too Late...
Learn why you should get your flu shot while it's still pretty hot outside.
This Is What’s Currently Known About COVID-19 Immunity
We now know for certain that recovering Covid-19 patients possess antibodies for the illness. What does that mean regarding their immunity for reinfection?
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
Not Only Covid-19: 5 Historically Significant Vaccines
Infectious diseases were a problem long before Covid-19. These are 5 of the most historically important vaccines that made the world safer.
How Blue Light Really Affects Your Sleep and Health
You have probably heard that blue light coming from screens is 'bad for us'. But how does it work and what are the exact health risks? Find out
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
Revealed! This Is How Far We Have Sent Crafts into Space!
Ever wondered just how far humans have sent spacecrafts into space? If the answer is yes, then this video is just what you've been looking for.
Science Lesson: How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
How laser removal of tattoos actually works. These guys are going to find out and explain it to us.
Are There Universal Expressions of Emotion? Find Out Here!
Do facial expressions look the same and communicate the same meaning wherever you are in the world? Find out here!
Whatever Happened to that Hole in the Ozone Layer?
Let's embark on this enlightening journey to better understand our atmosphere's health.
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
The Channel Tunnel - The 7th Wonder of the Modern World!
The construction of the Channel Tunnel is said to be an impossible feat!
Fascinating: Do You See the Same Colors As I Do?
This video will discuss the age old questions: do we see the same colors others see?
Science Proves: These 10 Bible Stories Probably Did Happen
The Bible describes many seemingly supernatural cases, but today, science can show that they might have indeed happened.
The Accidental Discovery of the World’s First Antibiotic
Not too long ago, it was fairly common to die of the simplest of wounds due to bacterial infection. Penicillin changed everything.
These 20 Tech Inventions Will Define the Next Decade
The future is here. Check out some emerging technologies that are all set to chane our world forever.
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
8 Inventions of 2023 That Will Change The Way We Live
This year was a prominent one for ground-breaking innovations that will change the way we live.
These Things All Say Something About Your Body Or Mind
There are many things that you can determine about your body and mind just by looking at yourself. Here are 10 things that your body says about you.
The COOLEST Flames in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Have you ever seen a flame as epic as this? Find out how it's made...
Scientists Finally Know Why We Love Cute Things
We find some things to be irresistibly cute. But why? Let’s find out.
Erecting a Behemoth: Installation of an Offshore Oilrig
How do they install an offshore oilrig? This video will show you, step by step, how it is done.
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
6 Intriguing Archeological Finds of the 21st Century
These archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made in the past 10 years and they're equally fascinating and intriguing...
Incredible New Bionic Arm Fuses With Woman's Nerves
Karin's bionic hand is real sci fi, making her one of the first true cyborgs.
Discover How Anesthesia Affects Your Body and Mind
If you were ever curious about how exactly anesthesia works, then this video has all the answers!
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
10 Classic Paradoxes fom Philosophy, Math, and Physics
in every sphere of human knowledge, we’re bound to run into inconsistencies. That’s how fascinating paradoxes like these are born.
I Bet You Didn't Have a Clue About These Human Body Facts!
The human body is the most complex machine known to mankind, but I bet you don't know these 10 amazing facts about it...
The Facts You Didn't Know About the Human Body...
Discover 120 fascinating and surprising facts about your body you may not have known. Going over most of the body parts, you will learn so much you never knew about the body we all use.
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
Scientists Develop 'Flying Dragon' Robot to Fight Fires
Scientists in Japan have created a water-spitting 'flying dragon' robot to fight fires.
Why Do We LAUGH? 7 Studies on the Origins of Humor
As pervasive as it is in our lives, the origin of laughter remains an intriguing enigma. This article investigates the origins of laughter and humor.
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
These Fire Tricks Will Wow You, But Don't Try Them!
These fire tricks are incredible to look at, but please don't try this at home...
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
These Shoes Can Boost Your Walking Speed by 250%!
Robotic engineers have created shoes that, they claim, will increase your speed by 250%.
Amazing Science: THIS is the True Scale of Our Universe...
Get a sense of the true scale and shape of the universe we've discovered so far.
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
What is the Largest Organism on Earth?
You may think you know which animal is the largest on earth, but you may be mistaken...
The Story of the Internet: Who REALLY Invented It?
Who really invented the internet, and why did they REALLY do it?
6 Weird and Creepy Medical Tools of the Past
After seeing these weird and creepy medical devices of the past, you’ll be thankful you live in the 21st century. Take a look for yourself.
Your Voice is as Unique As Your Fingerprints
This fascinating video explains how this unique characteristic of humans works, and what makes our voices unique.
How Exactly Do We Hear? All is Revealed Here!
In this informative TED-Ed video, Douglas L. Oliver explains the complete science behind hearing.
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
Hydrogen Bomb vs. Atomic Bomb - What's the Difference?
The most dangerous bombs in the world are compared and contrasted - hydrogen vs. atomic. You're about to get those answers in the video below.