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Breakthrough Longevity News: The Latest Science on Extending Healthspan & Lifespan

Welcome to your monthly dose of cutting-edge longevity news! This month brings exciting breakthroughs in longevity technology and anti-ageing human trials that could redefine how we approach healthy living and longevity. From the latest longevity research on extending lifespan of humans to promising longevity science supplements entering clinical testing, the science of longevity is advancing at an unprecedented speed.  

May 2025 has brought some interesting longevity studies and research news to help you stay informed about innovations that may increase healthspan. Whether you’re following developments in cellular rejuvenation or nutritional strategies for ageing well, this longevity article shows how fast developments in the field of healthy living and longevity move.

If you want to read more longevity news, be sure to check out our previous months’ editions here.

Staying Social Helps Older Adults Live Longer 

Older adults who stay socially active have a 42 per cent lower risk of death over four years, a new study reveals.  

The research tracked 2,268 Americans aged 60+ and found activities like volunteering, grandparenting and club participation boosted longevity.  

Slower biological ageing and increased physical activity partly explain why social engagement extends life.  

"Staying socially active is closely linked to healthier ageing and longevity," said lead researcher Ashraf Abugroun of UCSF.  

Further Reading: Why Emotional Support Matters for Longevity

Bigger Brains, Stronger Immunity Linked to Longer Life in Mammals

In more longevity research news, a study has found that mammals with larger brains and stronger immune systems tend to live longer. 

Researchers analysed 46 species and found that long-lived animals, like whales and dolphins, have more immune-related genes.  

Even small-brained animals like mole rats and bats defy expectations by living longer, thanks to boosted immune genes.  

The study suggests longevity isn’t just about brain size but also depends on immune resilience and cellular repair.  

“A strong immune system doesn’t just fight disease, it helps sustain longer life,” said lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Padilla-Morales.  

Further Reading: Anti-Ageing Immune Health Routine

Klotho Protein Shows Promise for Slowing Ageing in Mice

Boosting levels of the Klotho protein extended lifespan by 15–20 per cent in mice while improving overall health.  

Treated mice showed stronger muscles, denser bones and better brain function compared to untreated peers.  

The protein particularly benefited female mice, suggesting potential for preventing osteoporosis.  

Researchers used gene therapy to increase Klotho production throughout the body and brain.  

While not yet tested in humans, the findings could lead to new anti-ageing treatments.  

Plastic Chemical Linked to Heart Disease Deaths

A new study estimates chemicals in plastics may contribute to 350,000 global heart disease deaths annually.  

Researchers linked phthalates, found in food packaging, cosmetics and household items, to increased cardiovascular risks.  

The study suggests these chemicals may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, worsening heart health.  

Experts caution the findings rely on statistical models and need further real-world confirmation.  

While not definitive, the research adds to growing concerns about plastic chemicals' health impacts.  

Longevity Investment Surges as Sector Matures

Global investment in longevity science more than doubled to $8.5 billion in 2024 as the sector shifts toward mature technologies.  

Investors are favouring established platforms and later-stage clinical developments over early-stage ventures, signalling market maturation.  

Discovery platforms attracted the most funding ($2.6B), highlighting a focus on infrastructure for future anti-ageing therapies.  

Notable IPOs like BioAge Labs and Jupiter Neurosciences indicate growing institutional interest in longevity solutions.  

Despite growth, funding remains small compared to the $4.9 trillion annual U.S. healthcare costs from age-related diseases.  

The U.S. dominates with 84 per cent of deals, while Singapore and European markets show emerging potential.  

Vitamin D May Slow Cellular Ageing in Older Adults

A major US study found vitamin D supplements may slow biological ageing by preserving telomere length.  

Researchers tracking 1,054 older adults discovered those taking vitamin D showed 3 years' less cellular ageing than placebo groups.  

Telomeres, protective DNA caps that shorten with age, deteriorated more slowly in vitamin D users over the 4-year study.  

The findings come from a rigorous sub-study of the VITAL trial involving 25,000 participants nationwide.  

While promising, experts note more research is needed to confirm if these cellular effects translate to increased healthspans.  

Further Reading: What You Need to Know About Vitamin D

‘Zombie’ Neurons May Drive Chronic Pain in Ageing

Scientists at Stanford University have identified ageing neurons that develop ‘zombie-like’ properties and appear to drive chronic pain.  

The study found these malfunctioning cells in dorsal root ganglia, which are nerve clusters near the spine that relay pain signals to the brain.  

As these neurons age, they stop functioning normally but remain active, pumping out inflammatory chemicals that amplify pain signals.  

Researchers discovered the same senescent neuron markers in both older mice and human tissue samples.  

When treated with an experimental drug that targets zombie cells, aged mice showed significant pain reduction without side effects.  

The findings suggest new treatments could focus on eliminating these dysfunctional cells rather than just masking pain symptoms.  

Chronic pain affects over 50 million Americans, with older adults particularly vulnerable to persistent discomfort after injuries.

Senolytic Drug Trial Shows No Benefit for Alzheimer's Patients

A small Phase 1 trial tested the senolytic combo dasatinib/quercetin (D+Q) in early-stage Alzheimer's patients.  

The 12-week study with 5 participants found no significant changes in key Alzheimer's markers like tau or amyloid proteins.  

Some minor effects appeared in inflammation markers and blood lipids, but nothing reached statistical significance.  

The results suggest this particular senolytic approach may not effectively treat Alzheimer's despite success in mouse studies.  

Researchers note the trial was too small and short to draw definitive conclusions about senolytics for Alzheimer's.  

The study was published as an early safety check before larger trials and, while safe, the lack of impact on core Alzheimer's biomarkers questions whether cellular senescence drives this disease.

Calorie Restriction May Delay Menopause in Monkeys

Cutting calories by 30 per cent slowed ovarian ageing in middle-aged monkeys approaching menopause.  

Older monkeys on restricted diets maintained more egg follicles and showed less ovarian scarring than control groups.  

The benefits only appeared in perimenopausal monkeys, not in young or postmenopausal animals.  

Researchers studied rhesus macaques over three years, as they closely resemble human reproductive systems.  

The findings suggest timing matters and that calorie restriction may only help during the menopause transition period.  

While promising, scientists note such strict dieting may be impractical for most women long-term.  

Further Reading: Does Intermittent Fasting Actually Benefit Your Health?

Healthy Eating Linked to Longer Life for Australian Women 

Women following Australian dietary guidelines or Mediterranean diets were 40 per cent more likely to reach their late 70s.  

The 17-year study tracked 9,584 women, showing better diets reduced risk of early death from any cause.  

While cancer deaths were most common, links between diet and heart disease/dementia remained unclear.  

Researchers emphasise the need for more female-focused nutrition studies as women's health needs differ.  

The findings support eating fresh, home-cooked meals over processed foods for longevity benefits.  

The study was published using data from Australia's largest women's health study, with experts calling for food industry reforms to make healthy eating easier for time-poor women managing family nutrition.

End Note

The field of longevity and ageing is rapidly developing and new longevity studies and insights are shifting the way we live and how scientists and doctors go about their professions. 

This is why, here at Xandro, we publish a monthly longevity newsletter to educate both our readers and ourselves. We’re also interested in ways we can use biohacking to increase healthspan, hence why we’ve developed longevity science supplements, including Protocol X and LPC Neuro, to help you feel better for longer. 

We value transparency and science, so all of our longevity supplements are backed by life extension studies.

Science-First. Trusted Longevity Solutions.