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Live longer, die healthier

Researchers discovered a monthly treatment that extended the lives of mice by 9%, allowing them to live healthier for longer periods. The treated mice retained their physical function and overall frailty until the end of their lives, unlike controls, which showed significant declines in health.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Study shows hairy skin does not become less sensitive with age

Researchers found that touch sensitivity declines only in hairless skin regions with age, such as the hands, while hairy areas like cheeks remain sensitive. The study suggests that hairy skin may act as an antenna to transmit mechanical stimuli and preserve touch sensitivity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Dietary sucrose determines activity of lithium on gene expression and lifespan in drosophila melanogaster

Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

The gender gap in life expectancy: are eggs and sperm partly responsible?

A study published in Science Advances reveals that germ cells drive sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrate animals. Removing these cells led to similar lifespans in males and females of the turquoise killifish species. Vitamin D was also discovered to have a role in improving longevity, with supplementation extending life spans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Increased lifespan of individuals living with cerebral palsy necessitates a broader perspective on care

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores cerebral palsy beyond childhood, highlighting topics like mental health, sexuality, and independence in adults. The issue aims to address long-overlooked aspects of CP care, promoting a broader perspective for improved patient outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Mothers live longer as child mortality declines

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that declining childhood mortality has added a full year to women's lives. The study used mathematical modeling based on CDC data and estimated that the reduction in maternal bereavement adds one year, or about 6%, to life expectancy.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2024

Under 4-minute milers’ longevity shows that extreme exercise doesn’t seem to curb lifespan

A study of the first 200 athletes to run a mile in under 4 minutes found that they lived nearly 5 years beyond their predicted life expectancy. The runners, who were born between 1928 and 1955, outlived the general population by several years on average, with those whose first successful attempt was in the 1950s living an average of 9 ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

Loneliness grows as we age

A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2024

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Steven Heymsfield and colleague publish guidance on energy and macronutrients across the lifespan

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine provides recommendations for protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and water intake at various stages of life to support overall health. The guidance, developed by Dr. Steven Heymsfield and Dr. Sue Shapses, aims to promote personalized diets with key macronutrients.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2024

Researchers at MUSC call for focus on higher stroke risk in women

A new review article highlights the complexities of stroke risk in women, which extends beyond age and includes various modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Women are more sensitive to high blood pressure, and other disorders such as late puberty, early menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal therapy also significantly affect their risk.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2024

Groundbreaking study unveils unique roles of yeast protein complexes in cellular lifespan and environmental response by rationally engineering based on the predicted three-dimensional structures

Researchers discovered that two types of TORC1 complexes in yeast play unique roles in cellular responses to stress and lifespan regulation. The study's findings provide new insights into molecular evolution, cellular signaling pathways, and age-related diseases, offering promising avenues for human health advancements.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Pennington Biomedical researchers looking for new ways to improve life span and health during aging

Researchers found that a compound called BAM15 makes mitochondria less efficient at producing energy, extending life span and improving body composition in fruit flies. The study also showed reduced age-related decline in motor activity. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

New water batteries stay cool under pressure

A global team of researchers has invented recyclable water batteries that don't catch fire or explode, addressing safety concerns in lithium-ion technology. The batteries use abundant materials like magnesium and zinc, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental risks.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Researchers found that dysregulation of RNA transfer between cells in different tissues shortens lifespan in roundworms. They demonstrated that this phenomenon, termed Intercellular/Extracellular Systemic RNA imbalance (InExS), can be caused by an increase in RNA uptake from the environment, leading to a reduction in organism's lifespan.

Major climate benefits with electric aircraft

Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Climate change may reduce life expectancy by half a year, study suggests

A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024

"U.S. physical inactivity pandemic is a crisis within a crisis," experts say

A new study in The American Journal of Medicine highlights the correlation between social vulnerability and physical inactivity in the US, revealing geographic variance and disparities. Researchers stress the need for tailored health promotion campaigns and individual counseling approaches to address these disparities.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Flexing the lifespan of electronic devices

A team of researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Pittsburgh has received a $600K NSF Award to explore novel learning-enabled cyber-physical systems (LE-CPSs) for building flexibility into hardware. This could lead to extended device lifespan, reduced e-waste, and improved sustainability.

New drug-like molecule extends lifespan, ameliorates pathology in worms and boosts function in mammalian muscle cells

Researchers at Buck Institute identified a new drug-like molecule that keeps mitochondria healthy via mitophagy, a process that removes and recycles damaged mitochondria. The compound, MIC, extended lifespan in worms and improved mitochondrial function in mouse muscle cells.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

1 in 25 carries a genotype that is associated with a shortened lifespan

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 4% of Icelanders carry an actionable genotype associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, cancer, and metabolic diseases. These genotypes can lead to a three-year shorter median survival for carriers, particularly those with cancer-predisposing variants.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to higher risks of death

A study of over 50 years found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater postpartum weight retention and increased risks of pregnancy complications and death. The researchers estimated associations between gestational weight gain and loss and mortality, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 30, 2023

Marine mammal longevity study reveals remarkable advances in animal welfare

A new study examines the life expectancy and lifespan equality of four marine mammal species in zoos and aquariums compared to their wild counterparts. The study found that marine mammals live longer in captivity, with a three-fold increase in life expectancy and a decline in deaths in the first year of life.

SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023