Ibuprofen use could extend lifespan

Over-the-counter drug appears to not only extend life but may make you more healthy too, researchers are trying to find out why. - AFP

An over-the-counter pain-relieving and fever-reducing drug could lead to a longer and healthier life for many species and possibly humans as well, says new study. 

"We first used baker's yeast, which is an established ageing model, and noticed that the yeast treated with ibuprofen lived longer," says lead author Dr Michael Polymenis, a biochemist at Texas A and M University (TAMU) AgriLife Research station, "Then we tried the same process with worms and flies and saw the same extended lifespan. Plus, these organisms not only lived longer, but also appeared healthy."