Umbilical cord blood might be the elixir of youth ... if you're a mouse
The quest for an elixir of youth seems to be almost as old as humanity itself, but that’s never going to stop an endless array of shysters and charlatans from fleecing the gullible.
Which brings us to the totally reputable journal, Nature, which has published research linking a protein (TIMP2) found in the plasma of babies’ umbilical cords with anti-ageing and memory-enhancement.
Earlier research has found TIMP2 can limit the growth of enzymes called mastrix metalloproteinases, which are thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
According to the researchers, the human cord plasma treatment was found to “revitalise the hippocampus improved learning and improve cognitive function” … IN AGED MICE.
Yes, it was a mouse study.
But given the human propensity to grasp at straws when it comes to staving off Father Time, we soon expect to see clinics offering umbilical cord blood treatments springing up all over the place – well, springing up in Florida, at least.
