Laser Ablation of Lipofuscin Research Matching Grant Fund Raiser Opportunity, deadline monday

Aug. 14, 2009 - PRLog -- http://imminst.org/archive/articles/laser-research-grant


The Immortality Institute is excited to announce a new matching grant for anti-aging research. The Institute will match every contribution up to $8,000 for the study of laser ablation of lipofuscin - research that will be conducted by Nason Schooler (nasonschooler.com) at the SENS Foundation Research Center in Tempe Arizona.

First a layman’s explanation of the problem and proposed research: Lipofuscin is a byproduct of metabolism - a type of indigestible junk that slowly builds up within (and outside) human cells throughout life. It is most commonly recognized as the “stuff’ that gives age spots their color.

Lipofuscin build-up indicated by
blue and yellow granules.
David L Mcllwain & Victoria B Hoke

Wikipedia article on lipofuscin

The build-up of lipofuscin results in malfunctioning cells that are implicated in many human diseases. It is theorized that cleaning-up or clearing-out lipofuscin will help return cells to a healthier state. See here: intracellular junk and aging. The accumulation cellular waste – lipofuscin in particular – might be one of the key processes that leads to age related disease. An in depth summary can be found here: Article on lipofuscin's impact on age-related disease. Therefore, the proposed research could lead to important breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

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This research proposes to further study the use of laser pulses to destroy lipofuscin. The technical term for this approach is Selective Photothermolysis. LEDs, lasers, and infrared light have already found their way into many clinical and cosmetic applications. This research will investigate the use of laser pulses to improve human health at a much more fundamental level.

Mr. Schooler has conducted preliminary qualitative research using laser pulses to destroy lipofuscin in nematodes (round worms). VIDEO HERE. This investigation was the subject of a presentation at the UABBA conference at UCLA in 2008. The current proposed research will use various pulsed laser treatments to investigate the effects on worm lifespan. Human cell culture models will also be used to investigate the dynamics of lipofuscin destruction microscopically in actual human cells.

"Intracellular accumulation of the garbage material lipofuscin is a key suspected driver of the aging process. Nason Schooler’s laser-ablation project has the potential to reverse lipofuscin accumulation directly. Thus, it has the potential to become a key part of a comprehensive panel of future rejuvenation therapies."


-Aubrey de Grey, PhD





Every dollar you donate will be matched by the Immortality Institute – up to $8,000! The goal is to fully fund the $16,000 proposal.

The matching grant will be open for donations through August 17th. Don't delay. Donate today.


http://imminst.org/archive/articles/laser-research-grant


The Immortality Institute is a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and research for indefinite lifespans



Federal Tax ID: 68-0525636

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