What "Horizon" 1-th episode about
Scientists are now close to understanding the biological mechanisms that make us age and make us die. A few decades ago, no-one thought we could add years to life. The maximum life-span possible for humans was believed to be a hundred or so - and all because of an immutable genetic clock. These extraordinary mice can perfectly regenerate tissue, such as this hole punched in the ear, without any signs of scarring.But recently a series of startling discoveries has forced scientists to rethink their theories on aging. They have already found some of the genes involved in delaying the ageing process in animals. Tinkering with them, geneticists have created races of super-organisms - fruit flies, for instance, that can live double their natural life-span and that die healthy and vigorous. Other laboratories have bred mice that can spontaneously regenerate parts of their bodies, constantly repairing the damage that is part of the aging process. Controversially, some scientists are confident that their results can be extended to future generations of humans.
Episode number: 1
Episode release date: 4 january 2000 at 21:00
Status: aired