Or just aging

Scientists have known for some time that the four genes could turn adult cells back to their stem cell state, where they can grow into any body part. But it was always feared that allowing this to happen could damage organs made from the cells and even trigger cancer. But scientists found stimulating the genes intermittently reversed aging, without causing damaging side effects.

In mice, the treatment slowed signs of aging and increased lifespan by 30 per cent. If it worked similarly in humans it could allow people to live to well beyond 100.