German scientists reset biological age of human cells from older donor

Scientists at the University of Bonn in Germany have successfully generated neural stem cells that display biological characteristics of much younger cells. The Times of India reported that the researchers produced the cells from blood-cell precursor cells obtained from an 80-year-old donor. Following the process, the converted cells showed an epigenetic age below 20. [1]

The process uses precursor cells from blood, which contains erythrocytes that transport oxygen throughout the body. The research team monitored changes in epigenetic age, which measures chemical modifications to biological structures that alter gene activity without changing the underlying DNA code. The converted neural stem cells retained their structural form while displaying molecular markers typical of youthful cells. [1][2]

The findings were published in the journal Aging Cell in 2026, according to The Times of India. Understanding cellular aging mechanisms remains a primary focus of medical research. As FTMQ Science reported earlier, genetic factors can significantly influence cellular decay and tissue scarring in aging brain blood vessels. [1][3]

The authors of the study stated that the techniques could help researchers understand how age-related changes occur in human tissues. The researchers also aim to investigate whether some cellular aging mechanisms can be reversed in future applications. [1]