A group of extremely small villagers seem to be protect from cancer, diabetes heart disease and even Alzheimer's. These 100 Ecuadorians suffer from Laron Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that tops their height at 4 feet.

"There's only one patient that has died of cancer among all of the subjects. And that is fascinating," said Dr. Jaime Guevara-Aguirre, has spent 30 years studying the Laron population.

The purpose of the project is to find a way to isolate the anti-disease properties of Laron Syndrome to be used a medication for cancer and other illness. The second purpose is to help the young people grow to a normal size. "The complaint of these little people was, '[Laron's Syndrome is] doing so much for [anti-disease]. What are science and the pharmaceutical companies, etc., doing for [Laron's Syndrome]?'" Longo said.

In 1950 Laron Syndrome was the initial identification. 350 people --in Ecuador and in Spain-- with the syndrome were descendents of a single ancestor from thousands of years ago.

Laron patients do not lack growth hormone but aren't able to produce a substance called insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1). IGF-1 absence results in stunted growth but the absence of IGF-1 may be the secret to Laron's anti-disease properties. When IGF-1 absence was duplicated in rats; "The mice actually lived 50 percent longer and get a lot less diseases," Longo said. "It's very clear in the mice. Can it be true for people?'" Longo is continuing to test drugs for their ability to block IGF-1 in people. Currently, the question is whether or not a drug will produce the same effect that a the Laron's mutation has produced. It may take a decade to know the answer, says Longo. The average life expectancy of Laron patients is the same as their normal-sized siblings.

The second part of the project is to obtain the expensive IGF-1 for those who are pre-puberty. IGF-1 will help them grow to a normal height. "It would completely change their lives," Guevara-Aguirre said. This project will also show scientists if it is the IGF-1 that is the anti-disease property within Laron's syndrome. Addtionally, if these youngsters are able to still maintain their mutation's anti-disease properties after they have stopped taking the IGF-1. IGF-1 can cost $2,000 a month -- there are 30 young people who are eligible to take it.

"[The researchers have] tried very hard to convince the pharmaceutical companies to donate so that [researchers] can give [Laron's Syndrome people] free IGF-1," Longo said.

Research has found additional ways to combat cancer. Learn more [here.](http://www.fucoidanforce.com/articles/small-people-medical-secret/)