Scientists have been able to extend the life of the common fruit fly by manipulating a gene, one that humans also possess.

Drosophila melanogaster is a species of fly generally knows as the common fruit or vinegar fly. The life span of this fly is about 30 days.

The gene that helped the fruit fly live 30 percent longer is called AMPK. It helps modulate energy levels by detecting and reacting to body fluctuations.

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Scientists located the gene in the fly's intestine and activated it. This effectively slowed down the ageing process, not only within the intestine but throughout other organs, as well.

This same gene is also in humans, but in smaller amounts.

The results of this study runs contrary to the widely popular approach of modifying a person's cells in order to combat diseases. Instead, scientists want to repair the molecular damage that takes place when cells degrade.

Scientists explained that our body naturally discards "molecular garbage" produced by cell divisions and mitochondrial mutations. This process is known as autophagy.

Autophagy allows for old or dying cells to be shed. The system and its processes are activated by AMPK.

Scientists have learned they can slow down ageing by taking care of the molecular garbage problem inherent in old age.

They also note that molecular garbage and protein build-ups contribute to big killer diseases in later years.

David Walker of University of California Los Angeles said triggering of autophagy is important as they need to see anti-ageing effects. Researchers also intend to bypass the AMPK and aim straight for the autophagy.

While we wait for the big breakthrough, a Swedish university gave some advice on staying young: stand up more since this can prevent the degradation of DNA.

TagsAMPK, Autophagy, Fruit Fly