Scientists of University of Birmingham, England and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences and Research Council (BBSRC) conducted a study and discovered a gene that slows down the ageing process in humans. They found that a gene named as DAF-16 available in worms and animals and FOXO genes available in humans have a propensity to increase life span in all these species.

Robin May, the lead researcher of University of Birmingham said, with this study we would like to know the attributes related to these genes that how these genes governed ageing and how they are related to immunity.

Robin May also added, through this discovery it might be possible for us to develop a drug that can delay the ageing process if not stop ageing in human beings.

Researchers have conducted an experiment on 4 species of laboratory worms by exposing them to short spurts of high temperature. As a result of this activity DAF-16 present in some worms increases. This increased genes led to longer existence, and researchers came to a conclusion that there is a strong bond between gene activity and longevity, immunity and disease resistance.

Researchers also noted that DAF-16 present in worms shows similar attributes as FOX genes in humans, i. e. controlling the normal process of ageing.

Robin May stresses that resistance and ageing is a mutual process.

Professor Douglas kell, BBSRC said, it will help scientists to understand different methods that established how humans' age and it is very important for a person to understand healthy ageing.

The study will shortly be published in a journal called PLOS ONE.