The longer the telomeres, the longer life.
This is an equation that biologists have been beginning to understand in the last few years.
Telomeres sit at the ends of the chromosomes in human cells like protective caps on shoelaces.
Shoelace caps often fray over the years.
Telomeres also wear out, they get shorter.
Their remaining length determines how long the cells can still divide without damage.
If telomeres are severely shortened, cell division stops.
Many researchers are looking for ways to stop this process or even stretch the telomeres again.
Israeli researchers have now made an experiment with pure oxygen.