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After reversing ageing… what next, postponing death? Scientists are on the verge of achieving a breakthrough to reverse signs of ageing after a study found a simple solution: by only reactivating an enzyme, which protects the tips of chromosomes in cells, this feat can be achieved.

If tests are successful on human beings (though this may be far away), can we aim to postpone death, in probably, a few decades?

Studies at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School revealed mice that did not have the enzyme became old early, according to a report published in the journal Nature. However, if the enzyme was put on them, the mice regained their vigour, indicating reversal in ageing, the researchers added.

An attempt to wake up the enzyme again in cells where it has stopped working is likely to thwart signs of ageing, said a scientist at the Dana-Farber Institute.

Mice, that were administered the drug, saw cells rejuvenate in two months and turned fertile, even giving birth.

“This can make us think about telomerase as a serious anti-aging intervention,” a scientist said. Scientists, however, note that mice without adequate telomerase are poorly placed in the normal ageing process, and raising the substance in humans could pave the way for promoting tumor growth.

“Telomere rejuvenation could be potentially fatal and you should make sure that it does not stimulate cancer,” said a US scientist who has spent years researching anti-ageing techniques. He trashed the experiment saying, “They are not studying normal ageing but ageing in mice made in an abnormal situation.”

Researches involved in the experiment admit there is more to ageing than shortened telomeres, which the end of chromosomes are called - during later stage of life. One of them, however, said that the telomerase therapy could one fine day combine with other therapies to produce a breakthrough.

This test could be just a start in achieving age reversal and to come up with a ready therapy it could actually take a few decades. But there is one thing to watch for: will anti-ageing also pave the way for reining in death?