Artificial intelligence algorithms have found a cure for ageing

A team of researchers from Edinburgh has used artificial intelligence to discover three substances that prevent cells from ageing.

Here's What We Know

The scientists developed an AI model by training it to recognise key features of chemicals with senolytic activity. To do this, they used data from more than 2,500 chemical structures discovered in previous studies.

The algorithms then screened over 4,000 substances, identifying 21 potential drug candidates for experimental testing.

Laboratory tests on human cells showed that three chemicals, called ginkgethine, periplocine and oleandrin, can remove senescent cells. In doing so, they do not damage healthy tissue, unlike other senolytic drugs.

According to scientists, all three substances are natural products. They are found in traditional medicinal plants.

The team also found that oleandrin was much more effective than the best known cenolytic drug of its kind.

The researchers said their approach was hundreds of times cheaper than standard screening methods. The substances found may help treat such ailments as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and impaired vision and mobility.

Source: The University of Edinburgh