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The Latest in Longevity Research: Breakthroughs, Trials & the Science of Successful Ageing

In our June longevity newsletter, we bring you the latest longevity news, from cutting-edge human longevity news to breakthrough research anti-ageing news and natural ageing insights. This month’s highlights include updates on rapamycin longevity news, new anti-ageing human trials, and the science behind how to increase healthspan and expanding the lifespan of humans

If you're wondering what is the latest longevity breakthrough or looking to stay on top of the most exciting developments in successful ageing, you'll find it all here. You can also explore past editions of our longevity research news to stay informed on the science of longevity.

Rare Gene Mutation Protects Against Alzheimer’s by Reducing Brain Inflammation

Scientists have discovered how a rare gene mutation shields some people from Alzheimer’s disease.

The mutation, called Christchurch, dampens a harmful inflammatory pathway in the brain.

This finding could lead to new treatments that mimic the mutation’s protective effects.

The discovery came from studying a Colombian woman who avoided Alzheimer’s despite having a high-risk genetic mutation.

Her brain had heavy amyloid plaque buildup but very few toxic tau tangles, which are linked to memory loss and researchers found she carried two copies of the Christchurch mutation in the APOE3 gene.

Mice engineered with this mutation showed less tau buildup, better brain function, and preserved memory circuits.

The mutation works by blocking an overactive immune response in brain cells called microglia.

Drugs that target this same inflammation pathway could potentially slow or prevent Alzheimer’s and the study offers hope for therapies that protect the brain even after amyloid plaques appear.

Single Injection Boosts Ageing Muscles in Mice, Lasts for Weeks

Scientists have found that a natural compound, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), can rejuvenate ageing muscles in mice.

It was found that a single dose improved muscle strength and stem cell function for weeks.

The treatment could help fight sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, especially since PGE2 levels drop with age, weakening muscle repair.

It was found that restoring PGE2 in older mice helped their muscles regenerate like younger ones, with the compound also reducing cell death and boosting stem cell growth.

Researchers believe PGE2 ‘resets’ muscle stem cells by altering gene activity and believe that exercise combined with PGE2 treatment had even stronger effects.

The findings could lead to new therapies for ageing-related muscle decline, with future studies testing if this approach works in humans.

Popular Sweetener May Harm Blood Vessels

A common sugar substitute called erythritol could damage blood vessels and increase heart risks, according to new research.

Scientists found that erythritol causes oxidative stress in cells lining blood vessels, making them less able to prevent dangerous clots.

The sweetener reduced nitric oxide production, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed and healthy.

It also increased a compound that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Erythritol is widely used in sugar-free products like diet drinks, keto snacks and diabetic-friendly foods.

Previous studies linked high erythritol levels to greater risks of heart attack and stroke.

Researchers tested human blood vessel cells with doses equivalent to one artificially sweetened drink, where, after exposure, the cells showed signs of inflammation and reduced ability to break down clots.

While more human studies are needed, experts suggest limiting erythritol intake until further safety research is done.

Rapamycin May Extend Lifespan Almost as Well as Dieting

In rapamycin longevity news, a new study has found that the drug rapamycin may increase lifespan almost as effectively as calorie restriction.

Researchers reviewed 167 studies across eight animal species and found that eating less remains the most consistent way to live longer.

However, rapamycin, originally discovered in soil on Easter Island, came a close second in terms of life-extension benefits.

Metformin, another commonly studied drug, showed little to no consistent effect on lifespan.

Calorie restriction has long been linked to longevity, but it can be difficult to maintain and sometimes harmful if taken too far.

Rapamycin mimics the effects of calorie restriction by blocking a nutrient-sensing pathway in cells.

While promising, rapamycin may come with side effects such as lowered immunity and reduced fertility.

Scientists are now testing whether lower, intermittent doses can deliver benefits without serious risks.

Early signs from human trials are encouraging, but the drug is not yet approved for anti-ageing use.

Researchers hope that future therapies can offer the benefits of dieting without giving up the pleasures of eating.

Morning Coffee May Activate Anti-Ageing Switch

New research shows that caffeine may help slow ageing by activating a key cellular energy sensor called AMPK.

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London discovered that caffeine triggers this ancient system, which helps cells deal with low energy and stress.

AMPK is linked to better health and longer life and is also targeted by anti-ageing drugs like metformin.

The study was conducted using yeast cells, which share many biological features with human cells.

Researchers found that caffeine influences how cells grow, repair DNA and respond to stress, which are all vital for healthy ageing.

This builds on previous findings that caffeine also affects a separate growth regulator known as TOR.

Together, these effects help explain why coffee is often linked to lower risk of age-related diseases.

The findings suggest caffeine may support longevity through natural biological pathways shared across species but more research is needed to explore how lifestyle choices or new treatments could trigger these same benefits more directly.

For now, your morning cup of coffee might be doing more than waking you up — it could be helping your cells stay younger, longer.

Scientists Discover New Targets for Universal Cancer Vaccines

Researchers have found a promising new approach to developing cancer vaccines that could work for many patients.

A study reveals that 99 per cent of cancer markers on tumour cells come from normal but overactive genes, not mutations.

These newly identified targets could lead to off-the-shelf vaccines instead of expensive personalised treatments.

Current cancer vaccines typically target rare, patient-specific mutations found in just 1 per cent of cases.

The study analysed 595 tumour samples from melanoma and lung cancer patients using advanced technology.

Scientists identified three types of common cancer markers that could trigger strong immune responses.

The most promising targets came from normally silent DNA regions that become active in cancer cells.

Early tests showed immune cells from healthy donors could recognise and kill cancer cells using these markers.

A separate study on pancreatic cancer found similar results, boosting confidence in the approach.

This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for hard-to-treat cancers like pancreatic tumours, with researchers believing the findings could open doors for developing vaccines that work for multiple patients with the same cancer type.

Study Shows Decline in Dementia Rates for Younger Generations

A large global study has found that people today are developing dementia at older ages compared to previous generations.The research shows that dementia is becoming less common among people of the same age, especially among women.

The findings are based on data from over 62,000 people across the U.S., Europe and England.
While more people are being diagnosed with dementia overall due to longer lifespans, the risk at any given age appears to be falling.

The study compared groups of people born in different decades and found that those born more recently were less likely to have dementia at the same age.

For example, in the U.S., about 25 per cent of people aged 81–85 born before 1913 had dementia, compared to just over 15 per cent in those born 30 years later.

Women saw the biggest improvements, likely thanks to higher education levels and better heart health over time.

Other possible reasons for the decline include less smoking, more physical activity and improved healthcare.

However, rising rates of obesity, air pollution and poor diets could threaten this progress in the future.

Researchers say more studies are needed to fully understand what’s driving the change and how to keep dementia risk falling.

Night Owls With Higher Education May Face Greater Risk of Cognitive Decline

A new study has found that highly educated people who prefer staying up late may be more likely to experience cognitive decline over time.

The research, based on data from nearly 24,000 adults in the Netherlands, tracked changes in thinking and memory over 10 years.

Participants who identified as ‘night owls’ and had higher levels of education showed greater declines in executive function and mental flexibility.

This link was not seen in people with lower or middle levels of education, possibly because their work schedules better matched their natural sleep patterns.

Researchers believe that poor sleep quality and smoking may partly explain why late sleepers in this group experienced more decline.

Night owls often get less sleep due to early work start times, which may give their brains less time to rest and recover.

The study suggests that jobs that force late chronotypes to rise early could contribute to unhealthy sleep habits and cognitive strain.

Other factors like alcohol use and physical activity did not significantly influence the results.

While the study found an association, it couldn’t determine whether being a night owl itself or a mismatch between sleep habits and work schedules — known as social jetlag — was to blame.

Researchers call for future studies to explore how daily routines affect brain health and whether adjusting work hours could help protect cognition.

End Note

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the latest longevity news for the month of June, learning about new longevity studies, updates in disease and cancer research, and human longevity news.

Stay up to date about longevity research by reading our previous editions or read our blogs to learn more about your health and longevity. If you’re looking for supplements to help improve how you feel in your daily life, be sure to have a browse of our longevity science supplements and have a chat with your doctor to see how you can improve your health. 

Science-First. Trusted Longevity Solutions.