Scientists identify new brain rejuvenation molecule in mice

What's the news: Scientists identify a signaling molecule that rejuvenates old mouse brains and improves young mouse brains

Why should we believe it: This news is based on two recent studies (one, two), both published on August 16, by scientists at UC San Francisco. The scientists looked at platelet factor 4 (PF4), a blood-clotting factor that naturally occurs in the body (both mice and human). Results:

• PF4 rejuvenated the immune systems of aged mice

• It reduced age-related inflammation, which is a causal factor of cognitive decline

• In young mice, PF4 increased synaptic plasticity and cognition

• In old mice, PF4 improved learning, cognition, and memory

Why this is a big deal: One of the two studies showed that klotho, a known longevity factor, upregulates platelet factors, including PF4. In other words, PF4 might be one of the mechanisms by which klotho works, and it might be one of those youth signaling molecules I have been writing about lately.

So what specifically can you do now: The good news is PF4 is already available as a treatment for a highly specific condition, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. While it's unlikely you can get a PF4 injection at your doctor's office today, that might change soon — several biotech companies are working on bringing this and related discoveries to market.