Russian scientists are making progress in the search for the elixir of youth by investigating a bacteria named Bacillus F which has remained alive in the permafrost for millions of years. Picture: Anatoli Brouchkov

The Siberian Times disclosed recently how Russian scientists are making progress in the search for the elixir of youth by investigating a bacteria named Bacillus F which has remained alive in the permafrost for millions of years.

Experiments are underway on mice and human blood cells but the man who made the 'sensational' discovery has now admitted he injected himself with the ancient bacteria found in the Sakha Republic, the largest region of Siberia. Anatoli Brouchkov, head of the Geocryology Department at Moscow State University, said he has become a guinea pig for the bacteria.

'I started to work longer, I've never had a flu for the last two years,' he said. 'After successful experiments on mice and fruit flies, I thought it would be interesting to try the inactivated bacterial culture,' he told The Siberian Times.

Dr Anatoli Brouchkov, head of the Geocryology Department, Moscow State University, on Mamontova Gora. Picture: Anatoli Brouchkov

'Besides, the permafrost is thawing, and I guess these bacteria get into the environment, into the water, so the local population, the Yakut people, in fact, for a long time are getting these cells with water, and even seem to live longer than some other nations. So there was no danger for me. '

He stressed: 'It wasn't quite a scientific experiment, so I cannot professionally describe the effects. But it was quite clear for me that I did not catch flu for two years. Perhaps there were some side-effects, but there should be some special medical equipment to spot them. Of course, such experiments need to be conducted in clinic, with the special equipment and statistics. Then we could say clearly about all the effects.'

In any case, it was too early to market the bacteria despite an undoubted demand for a potion offering eternal life. 'It still needs the experiments. We have to work out how this bacteria prevents ageing. I think that is the way this science should develop. What is keeping that mechanism alive? And how can we use it for our own benefits?'

Bacteria was tested on mice and plants and they are feeling better. Picture: Vesti.ru, SurgutInform TV

The bacteria was discovered in 2009 at a place known as Mammoth Mountain. While the bacteria allows older female mice to reproduce, scientists are still aware how it works, and cannot yet identify the secret of its longevity.

Research was needed into 'what keeps that bacteria alive, what is the mechanism preventing the age damages, and how can we use it for our own benefits', he told RT.