Scientists have found a way to rev up a potent “anti-aging” enzyme in living cells, which could speed the development of drugs to extend human life span and prevent a wide range of geriatric diseases.

The compounds seem to have the same anti-aging effect as a drastic reduction in calories. The compound that boosted the anti-aging enzyme the most was resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine that has been credited with lowering the risk of heart disease.

The findings strengthen the belief that cellular enzymes at the core of the experiments — called sirtuins — are universal regulators of aging in virtually all living organisms and represent a prime target for new anti-aging drugs.

News tip: Walter Purvis