University of Southern California scientists have extended the lifespan of yeast by 10-fold. That’s twice the previous record for life extension in an organism.

USC’s Valter Longo and his team previously found two genes–RAS2 and SCH9–related to growth and development of cancer. These genes are similar in humans and yeast.

The scientists disabled the genes in the yeast and also put the organism on a low-calorie diet. Combining both age-fighting approaches led to a dramatically long lease on life.

To find out how the age-defying treatment works in humans, Longo and his group are now studying Ecuadorians who have similar mutations in age-controlling genes used in the yeast.

See also University of Southern California News Release: 10-Fold Life Span Extension Reported