• croatiantimes.com
• romaniantimes.at
• salzburgtimes.at
• viennatimes.at
• austrianindependent.com

Today

• Vienna - VESCC English Catholic Mass
• Vienna - Unknown Underground
• Vienna- January and February at the Austrian Film Museum
• Vienna - Art by Petronilla Hohenwarter.
• STOMP at the MuseumsQuartier

06. 10. 09. - 16:00

• more General News news
• RSS Feed General News

06. 10. 09. - 16:00

Sperm substance find may be breakthrough for Alzheimer's treatment

By Thomas Hochwarter

A team of Austrian scientists investigating human sperm cells claim they "might have found the holy grail of age research".

Frank Madeo and Tobias Eisenberg from Karl Franzens University in Graz, Styria, said a substance contained in sperm fluid could prolong life and might be used in fighting Alzheimer's disease. Their team of researchers found out that the substance "spermidine" extends the lifespan of human immune cells, as well as that of flies, worms and mice. "Spermidine" is contained in high concentrations in male sperm, but it is also found in grapefruit, wheat germ and soy beans.

"We might have found the holy grail of age research," Eisenberg announced yesterday (Mon), adding their study involved 29 colleagues in six countries. He explained cell damage linked to ageing was reduced in tests with mice treated with "spermidine", adding they found that the substance increased the ability of cells to get rid of damaged proteins.

Now Madeo and Eisenberg hope their findings will become relevant for diseases linked to old age such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Austrian Times

Related articles: quirky Austria

1. 007 health worries Lugner

   » Panorama 2012-02-07

   Richard Lugner has expressed concerns about Sir Roger Moore’s health.

2. Lugner bags Bond

   » Panorama 2012-02-02

   Danish model Brigitte Nielsen and "James Bond" star Sir Roger Moore will accompany an Austrian entrepreneur at this year’s Vienna Opera Ball.

3. DocLX abolishes booze ads

   » Business 2012-01-13

   Austria’s leading post-graduation holiday organiser promised to stop advertising around-the-clock alcohol supply.

more related articles tagged "quirky Austria"

Foglar infuriated by 'tactical games'
Austrian Trade Union (ÖGB) President Erich Foglar has accused the vice chancellor of "playing games".

Le Carré novel hits the big screen
A new espionage film is now on at the Burgkino Vienna where all movies are screened in their original versions.

Kadyrov welcomes Austrian right-wingers
A delegation of representatives of a rightist Austrian party met with Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, it has emerged.

Gourmet evenings at Linsberg Asia
Less than an hour away from Vienna is the Linsberg Asia - four star hotel, spa and culinary hotspot. For several years now the Linsberg restaurant has been producing award-winning food, receiving the ultimate accolade in the most recent Gault Millau when its lamb was described simply as melt in the mouth.

Felderer 'disappointed' as government eyes up tax hikes
A leading economist has criticised the government for making tax hikes an essential part of its upcoming savings package.

Unionists criticise hotels over mini-jobbers
Labour union leaders are alarmed as the number of tourism sector mini-jobbers is climbing.

Satek snatches Zielpunkt
A German businessman has taken over Zielpunkt.

Europe's highest brewery in Austria
Europe’s highest brewery has opened in Austria. The "Asitz Bräu" which opened for business on 17 December last year, is located at 1,760 metres and is run by the Altenberger family, owners of four star hotel "Der Krallerhof" in Leogang.

Austria registers decrease of business bankruptcies
The number of Austrian business bankruptcies is in decline despite increasingly difficult economic circumstances in Europe.

Austria registers decrease of business bankruptcies
The number of Austrian business bankruptcies is in decline despite increasingly difficult economic circumstances in Europe.