Heavy isotopes to avert ageing?

Oxidative modifications of cellular components by free radicals are thought to be the cause of ageing and age-associated diseases. Extensive prior research has aimed to lessen such damage by counteracting the free-radical oxidizers with antioxidants, but there have been no attempts to protect the oxidizer-targeted biomolecules by making them more stable against oxidation. A recent paper describes an original and promising method based on the use of non-radioactive heavy isotopes, which might enable living cells to resist the free-radical oxidation and consequently allow us to live a healthier, longer life.