The so-called existence of "Elixir of Life" has inspired movies, novels and actual expeditions throughout the years. Now, Russian scientists may have discovered the nearest thing to the elixir of life in 2009. The 3.5 million year old bacteria strain called Bacillus F may hold the key to longer life. The scientist who discovered the bacteria has secretly tested it on himself.
As reported in the Daily Mail, Dr. Anatoli Brouchkov willingly became a human guinea pig to test the effects of the 3.5 million year old bacteria on an inactivated bacterial culture. Scientists have tested the bacterium on mice and human blood cells, but never on a live human. "After successful experiments on mice and fruit flies, I thought it would be interesting to try the inactivated bacterial culture", he said.
He disclosed to The Siberian Times that he was able to work longer and never had flu for two years. "I started to work longer. I've never had flu for the last two years."
He also further explained what urged him to try it on himself. "The permafrost is thawing, and I guess these bacteria get into the environment, into the water, so the local population, the Yakut people, in fact, for a long time are getting these cells with water, and even seem to live longer than some other nations. So there was no danger for me."
Furthermore, in the experiments with the mice, the results may hold the key to fertility. Female mice were found to be active and reproduce after they have stopped being able to. The bacterium was also found to heal plants. Scientists also revealed that they have unlocked the DNA of the bacteria and are now trying to uncover how the genes work.
Yakutsk Epidemiologist, Dr. Viktor Chernyavsky said, "The bacteria gives out biologically active substances throughout its life, which activates the immune status of experimental animals. If the same substance were to be given to people, it could cause a significant improvement in their health, leading to the discovery of an 'elixir of life."
However Brouchkov admitted that there's no concrete evidence on what it does to his body.
"But we do not know yet exactly how it works. In fact, we do not know exactly how aspirin works, for example, but it does. The same is true here: we cannot understand the mechanism, but we see the impact.
"Perhaps there were some side-effects, but there should be some special medical equipment to spot them. Then we could say clearly about all the effects. If we can find how the bacteria stays alive we probably would be able to find a tool to extend our own lives," he said.
This could mean the end of the long conquest for the elusive elixir of life. Do you think this bacterium can be the elixir of life? Share us your thoughts about this discovery.
