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Research Brief: Genetic background, social rank identified as factors in aging and lifespan in animals

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that genetic background and social rank are critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in animal models. They discovered that low social status corresponds to a shorter lifespan, but with varying effects depending on the individual's genetic predisposition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2023

Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

A study found that regular exercise increases mitochondrial fusion, benefiting muscle cells and maintaining physical fitness even in old age. Daily sessions of exercise throughout life delay the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and decline in physical fitness.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023

Aging | Epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV

A new study finds epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV. Participants showed accelerated biological age and different brain activity patterns compared to controls, suggesting a link between biological aging and neural function in PWH.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

A team of researchers, led by the UPF, characterize rare, damaged cells (senescent cells) that block the functions of their neighbour healthy cells and identify ways to neutralize them and improve tissue regeneration

A team of researchers identified senescent cells as a major obstacle to muscle regeneration, which can be overcome genetically or pharmacologically. Neutralizing these cells improves tissue repair in both young and elderly individuals.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

New study finds promising treatment for cognitive deficits associated with cholestatic liver disease

A new study found that obeticholic acid can reverse cognitive impairment in patients with cholestatic liver disease, improving short-term memory and restoring brain function. The study used a rodent model of bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis and found that the drug significantly improved cognitive deficits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Aging | Glutaminase inhibitors rejuvenate human skin via clearance of senescent cells: a study using a mouse/human chimeric model

Researchers found that glutaminase inhibitor BPTES selectively eliminates senescent dermal fibroblasts, improving skin aging phenotype by increasing collagen density and cell proliferation. The study suggests BPTES as a potential therapeutic agent for skin aging, offering new treatment options.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Aging | IGF1 gene therapy in middle-aged female rats delays reproductive senescence through its effects on hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptin neurons

Researchers found that IGF1 gene therapy increases kisspeptin expression and GnRH release, and alters microglial cell numbers, suggesting a potential protective effect against reproductive decline. This could lead to new strategies for optimizing lifespan and combating age-related health problems in women.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Liver cancer’s supercharged metabolism offers a new treatment strategy, Penn study suggests

Researchers discovered that liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to leave them susceptible to disruptions in arginine supply, a key molecule. A three-pronged approach targeting tumor metabolism, blocking survival-promoting responses, and starving tumors of arginine can induce senescence, making cancer cells killable.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

Study finds survivors of weather-related disasters may have accelerated aging

A study published by Arizona State University found that survivors of Hurricane Maria experienced accelerated aging in their immune systems, with molecular changes indicating a 7-8 year acceleration in human lifespan. The research used rhesus macaques as a model to explore the effects of extreme weather events on biological aging.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Cellular aging: a basic paradox elucidated

A research team at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has found that cellular aging is caused by irreversible damage to the genome, not just telomere erosion. This discovery challenges the long-held scientific model and opens up new research opportunities for preventing cellular aging and genomic instability.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

New cell treatment could combat ageing

Researchers have identified a new method for clearing senescent cells using an antibody treatment, which could transform treatments for ageing and related conditions. The treatment targets specific membrane markers on senescent cells, effectively eliminating them and slowing age-related degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Worm mothers provide milk for their young

Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Fixing protein production errors lengthens lifespan

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Older people with abdominal fat and weak muscles are more likely to develop mobility problems

A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...

Exposure to tobacco smoke in early life is associated with accelerated biological ageing

A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 25, 2021

Preemie boys age faster as men, study shows

Researchers found that premature boys age more quickly than their normal weight counterparts, with a biological age gap of 4.6 years by age 30-35. This accelerated aging may be influenced by prenatal stress and hospital care after birth, emphasizing the need for monitoring and healthy aging strategies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 17, 2021