This Week in Life Extension

In a nutshell:

This week brought some exciting steps forward in anti-aging science. A new eco-friendly face mask promises to boost your skin’s own collagen. A biotech company kicked off human testing of a molecule that may help cells stay younger. Stanford hosted a big healthy-aging conference with advice from top wellness experts. And researchers highlighted a new drug that targets old, “zombie” cells in the liver to fight disease. Together, these advances show how we’re moving beyond quick fixes toward real, science-backed ways to stay healthier as we age.

1. A New Collagen-Boosting Face Mask

▶ What it is: Scientists at the Fraunhofer ISC and B-COS GmbH have created a two-part, biodegradable face mask.

▶ How it works: Instead of just covering up wrinkles, it uses a natural ingredient called ortho-silicic acid to kickstart your skin’s own collagen production.

▶ Why it matters: It’s both effective and eco-friendly—no plastic waste—and shows how lab research can lead to practical beauty products.

2. First Human Tests of an NAD⁺ Booster

▶ Who’s doing it: Metro International Biotech, advised by longevity expert David Sinclair, has started Phase I trials of their compound MIB-725.

▶ What they’re looking for: Safety, how the body breaks it down, and whether it really raises NAD⁺ levels (a molecule that keeps cells energized).

▶ Early news: The first four volunteers had no serious side effects. Next steps include testing more people and higher doses, with an eye toward treating age-related kidney problems.

3. Healthy Aging 2025 Conference Highlights

▶ Where & when: May 5 at Stanford’s Li Ka Shing Center.

▶ Keynote: Deepak Chopra spoke virtually about blending mind-body practices with science.

▶ Main themes: How to live not just longer but healthier—covering diet, exercise, mindfulness, and brain health.

▶ Why attend: It brought together researchers and everyday biohackers to sort real science from fads.

4. A Senolytic Drug Targeting Liver “Zombie” Cells

▶ The problem: As we age, damaged cells (called senescent or “zombie” cells) build up and cause inflammation, especially in the liver.

▶ The solution: UT Health San Antonio scientists developed a drug that zeroes in on two proteins (BCL-xl and BCL-2) that help these cells survive.

▶ Results so far: In mice with fatty liver disease and fibrosis, it cleared out harmful cells without major side effects—potentially lowering liver cancer risk.

Bringing It All Together
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These stories show that anti-aging is no longer just about surface creams or unproven supplements. Instead, researchers are:

1. Working with your body: Masks that boost your own collagen rather than just hiding wrinkles.

2. Boosting cell power: NAD⁺ compounds designed to keep cells running smoothly.

3. Clearing out troublemakers: Drugs that remove harmful senescent cells from organs.

As more human trials start and conferences like Stanford’s share real data, we’re heading toward a future where stretching our “healthspan” (years spent in good health) is just as important as extending lifespan. Keep an eye on these developments—you may soon have new, science-backed options to help you look and feel younger, naturally.

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