The latest discovery from a team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania could eliminate aging and scarring for good, according to a report published by The Telegraph.

The team discovered that a signalling molecule called Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) commonly released by hair follicles could instruct scar-forming myofibroblasts to transform themselves into adipocytes.

“Essentially we can manipulate wound healing so that it leads to skin regeneration rather than scarring,” Lead scientist Professor George Cotsarelis told The Telegraph. “Typically, myofibroblasts were thought to be incapable of becoming a different type of cell. But our work shows we have the ability to influence these cells, and that they can be efficiently and stably converted into adipocytes.

“Our findings can potentially move us toward a new strategy to regenerate adiopocytes in wrinkled skin, which could lead us to brand new anti-aging treatments.”