Scientists from the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science and Imperial College have made a discovery that could be crucial to decoding anti-aging treatments. An experiment on a group of mice revealed that the interleukin 11 gene, aka IL-11, is the main component responsible for aging signs like graying hair. Shutting down the IL-11 gene increased the lifespan of the mice by 25%, resulting in better hair, skin, and even lung function. "So not only can we do it by deleting the gene from birth we can do it with a therapeutic drug given later in life, which opens up this possibility of now taking this to humans," explained Professor Stuart Cook. Treated mice showed a reduced risk of death from cancer, fibrosis, controlling chronic inflammation and poor metabolism. Three companies allegedly have anti-IL-11 treatments in human trials, indicating that effective anti-aging drugs could be available within a few years.