A group of South Korean scientists has developed a stem cell technique that slows down aging, the state-run science laboratory said Friday, a discovery that could help find treatments for age-related diseases.

The team led by Choi In-pyo of the National Research Council of Science and Technology discovered the technology that could slow down proteins that are related to aging.

"Aging is a natural process in living organisms throughout their lifetime, and most elderly people suffer from age-related diseases. One suggested way to tackle such diseases is to rejuvenate stem cells, which also undergo aging," the scientists said in a report.

The scientists found protein called the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) p38 that activates aging, as well as chemical materials that regulates such stem cell aging.

"There have been many studies related to controlling or preventing the aging via stem cells. However, it marks the first time discovering a factor that regulates aging," said Choi, noting that the discovery could help find treatments for cancer and other auto-immune diseases.

The findings were published in the journal "Nature Communication." (Yonhap)