# Cellular rejuvenation research in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cellular-rejuvenation-research-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-10-12T22:51:47.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Researchers at the University of Bonn and the University Hospital of Bonn have developed a method to rejuvenate human cells by reprogramming red blood cell precursors directly into neural stem cells. This direct reprogramming process bypasses the intermediate pluripotent stem cell stage, allowing for a controlled observation of cellular transformation over approximately 50 to 100 days.

In a study published in the journal ‘Aging Cell’, scientists successfully transformed cells from an 80-year-old donor into stem cells with a molecular age of less than 20 years. By using transcription factors like SOX2 and c-MYC, the team was able to reset epigenetic molecular clocks.

Professor Dr. Oliver Brüstle noted that unlike previous rapid two-step processes, this technique enables detailed observation of how cell identity and age markers change. The breakthrough provides a model for studying biological aging and neurodegeneration.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Peanut consumption linked to improved brain insulin response in older adults

A study from Maastricht University suggests that eating 60g of unsalted peanuts daily can improve insulin response in brain regions related to memory in adults over 60.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-scientists-rejuvenate-80-year-old-blood-cells-to-age-under-20

### 2026-10-09: University of Bonn researchers rejuvenate human cells

University of Bonn researchers have successfully rejuvenated human cells in a test tube, resetting the molecular age of cells from an 80-year-old donor to under 20 years during neural reprogramming.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-bonn-researchers-rejuvenate-human-cells

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Cite as: Cellular rejuvenation research in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cellular-rejuvenation-research-in-germany