Scientists are now close to understanding the biological mechanisms that make us age and make us die. A few decades ago, no-one thought we could add years to life. The maximum life-span possible for humans was believed to be a hundred or so - and all because of an immutable genetic clock. These extraordinary mice can perfectly regenerate tissue, such as this hole punched in the ear, without any signs of scarring.But recently a series of startling discoveries has forced scientists to rethink their theories on aging. They have already found some of the genes involved in delaying the ageing process in animals. Tinkering with them, geneticists have created races of super-organisms - fruit flies, for instance, that can live double their natural life-span and that die healthy and vigorous. Other laboratories have bred mice that can spontaneously regenerate parts of their bodies, constantly repairing the damage that is part of the aging process. Controversially, some scientists are confident that their results can be extended to future generations of humans.
Season 36 Episode 1 of Horizon resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
Horizon is BBC Two's flagship 50-minute science documentary series.
Recognised as the world leader in its field, it regularly wins a sweep of international science, medical and environmental film accolades, and has recently won the Royal Television Society Award and the Prix Italia.
In 2002, the British Academy of Film & Television Arts presented Horizon with the BAFTA Television Award for Best Factual Series or Strand.
In 2003 it won the prestigious Images et Science award for best medical documentary and the Carl von Linne Award at the Living Europe film festival in Sweden. That year, a Horizon co-production with WGBH Boston won the Emmy for best documentary.
In September 2014 it celebrated its 50th anniversary and it continues to enjoy outstanding critical acclaim.