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Cutting-Edge Longevity News & Research for a Healthier, Longer Life

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In this month’s longevity newsletter, we cover life expectancy research, healthy living and longevity and various longevity studies on the science of longevity.

If interested, you can also find our previous editions here.

Study Finds Heat May Accelerate Ageing in Older Adults

A longevity analysis suggests that extreme heat could speed up biological ageing in older adults.

Researchers analysed data from over 3,500 Americans aged 56 and older, using epigenetic clocks to measure DNA changes.

They found that people living in areas with frequent high-heat days —32oC/90°F or above — aged biologically faster than those in cooler regions.

The study linked prolonged heat exposure to accelerated DNA methylation changes, which can impact long-term health.

Researchers say high humidity worsens heat stress, especially for older adults, as their bodies cool less efficiently.

While the study couldn’t track methylation changes over time, it found that longer heat exposure had a stronger impact.

The findings highlight the need for better public health policies to protect older adults from rising temperatures.

Key Anti-Ageing Protein Reduces Inflammation

The protein p53, known for its role in ageing, may also help control inflammation and DNA damage.

In the latest longevity research, researchers found that p53 suppresses harmful signals from senescent cells, which can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

By boosting p53 levels in lab-grown cells, scientists reduced DNA damage and slowed the release of inflammatory signals.

Experiments in mice showed that increasing p53 activity improved age-related gene expression, particularly in females.

Unlike previous studies suggesting p53 should be suppressed, this research highlights its role in keeping ageing cells in check.

Scientists suggest that future treatments targeting p53 could help promote healthier ageing and increase healthspan without harming cells.

Short-Term Overeating Can Alter Brain’s Response to Food

A new study suggests that just five days of eating sugary and fatty snacks can affect the brain’s insulin sensitivity.

Researchers found that overeating increased insulin responses in brain regions linked to reward, similar to early signs of obesity and diabetes.

Even after participants returned to a normal diet, brain regions linked to memory and food decisions showed reduced insulin sensitivity.

These changes could lead to overeating by dulling the brain’s reward system, making people crave more food for satisfaction.

Scientists believe brain insulin resistance may occur before weight gain, supporting the ‘brain first’ theory of metabolic disorders.

Experts warn that regular consumption of unhealthy foods may have lasting effects, even if body weight remains unchanged.

Experimental Drug Shows Promise in Preventing Alzheimer’s in Small Group

A new study suggests that the anti-amyloid drug gantenerumab may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in a small group of people with a rare genetic form of the disease.

Researchers found that those who took the drug for around eight years had a 50 per cent lower risk of developing symptoms compared to similar patients in past studies.

The study lacked a control group, making the results less conclusive, and the drug’s manufacturer has already discontinued its development.

Some experts remain sceptical, arguing that while gantenerumab clears amyloid plaques from the brain, there is no strong evidence it improves Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Despite the limitations, scientists hope future research could lead to preventive treatments for those at risk of the disease.

Life Expectancy Trends in Europe Highlight Policy Impact

The latest research on longevity shows that life expectancy in Europe has improved over the past decades but slowed since 2011, with a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers analysed data from 20 European countries and found that cardiovascular diseases and cancers were the biggest factors affecting life expectancy trends.

Norway was the only country where life expectancy improved at a faster rate after 2011, while Greece and England saw the steepest declines during the pandemic.

The study found that high blood pressure, poor diet and smoking were the top risk factors for early death, though smoking rates have declined over time.

Experts say government policies, such as better healthcare access and food regulations, play an important role in healthspan extension.

Lifestyle, Not Genes, Plays Biggest Role in Longevity

A new study suggests that our environment and lifestyle have a far greater impact on how long we live than our genes.

Researchers analysed data from 500,000 people in the UK Biobank, looking at genetics, lifestyle and disease risks.

They found that environmental factors explained around 17 per cent of lifespan variation, while genetics accounted for less than 2 per cent.

Smoking, physical activity and socioeconomic status had the biggest impact on early death and biological ageing.

Surprisingly, diet showed no clear link to ageing, though researchers say data limitations may explain this result.

Experts warn that genetics and lifestyle interact in complex ways, but the findings highlight the power of personal choices.

Scientists Develop New Method to Mass-Produce Mitochondria for Therapy

Mitochondria, the tiny power plants of cells, decline with age, contributing to diseases in energy-hungry tissues like muscles and the brain.

Research shows that transplanting fresh mitochondria can restore function, but producing enough for human treatment remains challenging.

A new study presents a method to massively increase mitochondrial production using modified stem cell cultures.

Scientists boosted mitochondrial output 854-fold in just 15 days, with the new mitochondria showing superior energy production.

Tests in mice with osteoarthritis showed that these lab-grown mitochondria helped regenerate damaged cartilage over 12 weeks.

While this breakthrough could pave the way for clinical use, scaling up production for whole-body treatments remains a major hurdle.

Study Finds Link Between Verbal Fluency and Longer Life

A new study suggests that people with better verbal fluency (the ability to recall and use words) tend to live longer.

Researchers analysed data from the Berlin Ageing Study, which tracked 516 elderly participants for up to 18 years.

Among various cognitive traits tested, verbal fluency emerged as the strongest predictor of longevity.

Scientists believe this may reflect overall cognitive and physical health, as verbal fluency relies on memory, mental agility, and brain function.

While the exact reason for this link is unclear, the study highlights the deep connection between language skills and well-being.

End Note

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed our March edition of the latest longevity research news, new longevity technology and on extending lifespan of humans. 

As mentioned, you can check out our previous month editions for more anti-ageing news and longevity studies so that you’re can learn more about the science of longevity — it’s a HUGE topic and there are constantly new anti-ageing human trials being released to keep up to date with.

To keep yourself informed on other topics around longevity and ageing, be sure to check out our weekly blogs or check out our range of longevity science supplements to tailor your longevity regime to your specific health needs.

Science-First. Trusted Longevity Solutions.