DNA study of 117-year-old reveals clues to longevity
Source: www.theguardian.com Key Points: Extreme longevity in Branyas was driven by her rare genes and healthy lifestyle. She stayed healthy with a strong heart and youthful body. Short telomeres may protect against cancer in extreme old age. A DNA study of Maria Branyas, who lived to 117, has uncovered genetic traits that may explain her exceptional health and extreme longevity. Scientists in Spain analyzed blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples that Branyas donated before her death in 2024, when she was the world’s oldest living person. Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona found that her cells appeared biologically younger than her chronological age. Some of her rare genetic variants were linked to strong immune function, heart health, and brain resilience. Branyas lived more than 30 years beyond the average life expectancy of women in Catalonia. The findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, may guide future studies on biomarkers of ag...