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What’s New in Longevity for December 2024?

For Xandro’s last longevity newsletter for 2024, our December ageing journal covers a range anti-ageing news, including longevity research, anti-ageing human trials and even a possible longevity breakthrough.

You can find all the longevity news editions from throughout the year at the end of the article to learn more about the latest research on longevity.

Singapore Hosts Two-Day Longevity Forum in February 2025

A major forum on longevity science and investment opportunities is set to take place in Singapore on February 27–28, 2025.

The Founders Longevity Forum will bring together leading researchers, investors and innovators for two days of keynotes, panels and networking.

Organised by Founders Forum, NUS and Longevity.Technology, the event will feature dual tracks: Precision Geromedicine and Longevity Investment.

Day One highlights include talks on economic impacts of longevity, ageing biomarkers and consumer trends in the longevity market.

Day Two will focus on women's health, brain ageing prevention and the role of AI in drug discovery for extending healthspan.

Top speakers include experts from L'Oréal, Technogym, Methuselah Foundation and NUS Healthy Longevity Academy.

Early bird tickets are available now for this must-attend event shaping the future of health and ageing and learning about the science of longevity.

Further Reading: All About Longevity

Scientists Develop Longevity Drugs for Dogs with Potential Human Benefits

Researchers are exploring drugs that could extend dogs' lifespans and potentially unlock ways to slow human ageing.

Loyal, a U.S. biotech start-up, plans to launch LOY-002, a beef-flavoured pill, next year, promising at least one extra healthy year for dogs.

Dogs share similar age-related diseases and environments with humans, making them ideal for studying anti-ageing treatments.

The Dog Ageing Project is testing rapamycin, an existing drug, for its ability to extend dogs’ lifespans by improving heart and cognitive functions.

Experts believe findings from dogs could pave the way for human longevity treatments, despite the challenges of conducting decades-long human trials.

Scientists emphasise the need for universally agreed biomarkers of ageing to advance longevity drug testing in humans, with these efforts a step closer to increase healthspan for both dogs and humans.

Olympic Champions Show Slower Ageing at the Cellular Level

A lifespan study on Hungarian Olympic gold medallists reveals they age more slowly at the cellular level compared to non-athletes.

Researchers found lower rates of epigenetic ageing and unique DNA methylation patterns in champions, with variations based on sport and gender.

Olympians showed longer telomeres and slower age acceleration, particularly among female athletes and recent male medallists.

Sports like gymnastics and fencing had more positive impacts on ageing markers than wrestling, suggesting training type influences ageing.

The findings suggest intense, early-life exercise can create long-lasting changes in gene expression that slow the ageing process, with this research highlighting the potential for exercise to promote longevity and remove ageing-related diseases at a molecular level.

Senolytics Show Promise for Hair Growth in New Research

Scientists have made progress in hair restoration by reducing cellular ageing, or senescence, in stem cells and organoids.

Dermal papilla cells (DPs), responsible for hair growth, lose their function quickly in culture due to senescence and inflammation.

Researchers used senolytic drugs, dasatinib and quercetin, to eliminate senescent cells and restore DP function in lab settings.

Treated cells were implanted in mice and cultured human skin, successfully growing hair structures where untreated cells failed.

While not a complete solution yet, this breakthrough could lead to artificial skin grafts that mimic natural hair growth.

Further Reading: Are Hair, Skin and Nail Supplements Worth It?

Scientists Identify Gut Molecule That May Slow Ageing

Researchers from China and the U.S., including David Sinclair, have discovered that a molecule called lithocholic acid (LCA) may help slow ageing in animals on a restricted diet.

LCA, a bile acid produced by gut bacteria, was previously thought to be toxic but has been found to provide health benefits in low doses.

In mice, LCA was linked to the production of AMPK, a protein associated with slowing muscle atrophy, but it did not extend lifespan.

The team discovered that LCA's effects involve signalling from sirtuin enzymes, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

The researchers plan to explore LCA's potential benefits for humans and investigate other molecules that may play similar roles.

Further Reading: The Importance of Gut Health

Heatwaves May Speed Up Ageing at a Molecular Level

Exposure to extreme heat may accelerate biological ageing, according to a U.S. study analysing DNA markers in over 3,000 people.

The longevity analysis linked long-term heat exposure to changes in epigenetic clocks, which track chemical modifications to DNA associated with ageing.

Participants living in hotter areas appeared ‘older’ on a molecular level, with every 10 per cent increase in hot days adding 0.12 years to their biological age.

The study focused on long-term heat exposure but did not account for air conditioning use or time spent outdoors.

Experts say this research highlights the hidden health effects of rising global temperatures, emphasising the need for further investigation.

DNA Clues Reveal Links Between Fertility, Ageing and Longevity

A new study highlights 37 key genes that influence reproductive health, ageing and overall health outcomes.

For example, genes like FSHB regulate menstruation and menopause, linking reproductive timing to cancer risk, obesity and longevity.

Early puberty and late menopause are tied to longer life but come with higher hormone-sensitive cancer risks.

Male fertility genes like DNAH2 impact testosterone and sperm function, addressing a historically under-researched area.

The research also explores how genetic changes in older parents affect the health of future generations, with the findings paving the way for personalised healthcare to address fertility and ageing challenges.

Further Reading: All About the Main Fertility Hormones

End Note

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about longevity news 2024, where each month, we’ve covered the latest longevity research, including longevity technology, life expectancy research, extending lifespan of humans and natural ageing.

Healthy living and longevity research is constantly being published, sometimes even refuting previous research, so keep yourself updated and on the latest by keeping an eye out for our future editions, or see if you’ve missed anything by reading our previous editions!

At Xandro, we’re passionate about longevity science and personalised biohacking to help enhance your healthspan. Explore our supplements, do your research and find what works for you! Check out our weekly blogs for the latest health insights and tips.

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