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What Is New in Longevity Research in April 2024?

What’s new in the science of longevity?

Are you looking to increase lifespan or looking for methods of healthy natural ageing other than your longevity diet?

We’ve compiled some interesting and exciting longevity news released in April, full of new life expectancy research and anti aging news for successful ageing. Have a read of it below!

Aging and Dinosaurs?

New longevity research suggests that dinosaurs shaped the rate at which present-day mammals age.

It was previously believed that natural selection caused mammal phenotypic traits to deteriorate at the same time, but a new theory suggests that evolutionary pressures on early mammals for rapid reproduction are linked to the present-day anatomy and physiology of mammals.

For example, traits and adaptations, such as tumour suppression mechanisms and longevity, as well as tooth erosion and reproductive aging, might be due to constraints that dinosaurs faced.

More studies are needed to determine whether repair, regeneration or defence systems were either inactivated or lost in mammals due to ecological constraints or predators.

A Fatty Acid for Longevity?

The stable fatty acid, C15:0, is thought to be capable of repairing mitochondrial function, supporting health span and lifespan.

C15:0 is used in our cell membranes to help make cells resilient to breakdown, helping stave away aging factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and cell death.

Humans don’t make enough C15:0, so it needs to be absorbed from the foods we eat or through supplements.

Being a fatty acid, the discovery of this potential anti-aging supplement suggests that the guidelines around fatty acids and saturated fats might need to be revisited.

There are two main types of saturated fats: odd-chain like C15:0 which are beneficial for lowering the risk of heart disease, fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, and even-chain, such as C16:0, which are high in butter and milk and are linked to these diseases.

Results from a clinical trial with C15:0 supplements will be released soon.

NAD+ and LDN to Help with Long COVID

Combining NAD+ and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) might improve fatigue and quality of life in long-COVID patients, a new trial has found.

The 12-week trial combined NAD+ and LDN patches, with patients experiencing improvements in pain, daily life, energy levels and mood.

Since the inflammatory and immune dysfunction found in long-COVID are linked to hallmarks of aging, the results might help further studies regarding the biological processes that wear down the body’s systems, helping mitigate symptoms of general aging.

NAD+ is considered an essential longevity micronutrient, so check out Xandro Lab’s Pure NMN Capsules and Powder.

Proteins to Slow Metabolism

Tardigrade proteins may be able to help slow or freeze the aging process due to anhydrobiosis, potentially extending lifespan of humans, new research has found.

Tardigrades can survive dehydration, entering a state of biostasis, called anhydrobiosis, until rehydrated again to resume their normal activities.

They can also survive being completely dried out, frozen just above zero, heated to extreme temperatures, the force of outer space and even radiation.

When a protein (CAHS) made from tardigrades was introduced into human cells, it gelled and slowed down human metabolism, and when the cells with the protein went into biostasis, they became resistant to stress.

The process was also found to be reversible, so when the stress was removed and the tardigrade dissolved, the human cells returned to normal.

The research highlights the potential for new technologies in medicine and for slowing aging.

Consistent Daily Steps for Improved Cognition

A new study suggests that reducing day-to-day step variability is linked to improved cognitive flexibility.

Thirty-seven older adults with an average of 71.4 years underwent a 10-week personalised physical activity study and found that having a consistent step count, rather than a higher step count, over the 10 weeks increased reaction time.

The study suggests that a community-based personalised physical activity program may help people experience higher and more consistent step counts, leading to better cognitive function in older adults.

Shortened Happiness Lifespans from Environmental Toxins

Environmental contaminants have been linked to a reduced span of emotional well-being, a new study finds.

Carcinogens like radon, arsenic and fine particulate matter, as well as psychological distress, were found to decrease lifespan emotional happiness, with these playing a larger factor in emotional happiness over the presence of cancer.

The study highlights the importance of environmental policies to reduce the population’s exposure to contaminants and to improve public health and happiness.

Astronaut Longevity Methods Extending Lifespan

Increased longevity measures for astronauts are now being implemented for people back on Earth, aiming to achieve a 130-year lifespan in humans.

Mitrix Bio’s new subsidiary, Biotech Explorers, is trialling the transplant of bioreactor-grown mitochondria into volunteers to increase the number of functional mitochondria.

Initially used for astronauts to make space travel less debilitating on the body and to help people suffering from early-aging diseases, the trials aim to achieve rapid wound healing, improved infection and radiation resistance, and muscle generation.

Mitochondrial transplants are currently being used in humans for aging and other rare diseases, with Biotech Explorers now trying to replicate results seen in animals in humans.

Rubedo and Biersdorf to Collaborate to Revolutionise Skin Care

Rubedo Life Sciences and Beiersdorf AG, which encompasses brands such as NIVEA, Eucerin and La Prairie, are linking up to create innovative skin care addressing the effects of cellular aging.

After receiving $40 million in funding, Rubedo’s partnership with Beiersdorf is looking at exploring new compounds targeting senescent cells, which are believed to contribute to age-related skin changes.

The partnership aims to bring innovative changes to skincare and to offer consumers new solutions to treat cellular aging so they can have healthier and longer-lasting youthful-looking skin.

Dwarfism and Longevity

A rare form of dwarfism may help scientists studying aging and metabolic diseases.

Laron syndrome is a form of dwarfism that only affects about 400 to 500 people worldwide and is where the individual has a growth hormone-receptor deficiency.

It has been found that this form of dwarfism has individuals living longer on average than those without it, along with having a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, reduced artery fat build-up and protection against diabetes, cancer and cognitive decline.

Similar results were found in the type of dwarfism called achondroplasia, with researchers hoping the results will inspire the development of new strategies to help protect against various diseases.

End Note

If you’re interested in more longevity science news, read our longevity news posts from January, February and March!

Keep up to date about how to improve your longevity through our blog posts. Every week, we share insights into various supplements, longevity topics, vitamins and nutrients, and how to improve your health span.