All articles tagged with #epigenetic clock
A study of 36 maltreated children and 60 controls finds that childhood abuse is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging and with reduced looking at eyes during social videos; the two changes occur in parallel and both relate to higher behavioral difficulties, but the cross‑sectional design cannot establish causality and there are sample limitations.
A large U.S. study of roughly 5,000 people found that diets centered on plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans) and lower in animal products are linked to slower aging at the genetic level, as measured by the epigenetic clock. However, the benefit depends on diet quality—plant-based does not help if it’s high in refined grains, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. The anti-aging effect likely comes from more fiber and antioxidants and less inflammation, with implications that the pace of your biological clock can signal lifespan beyond your actual age.
A large observational study across two European cohorts (TwinsUK and KORA) finds higher blood theobromine, a compound found in dark chocolate, cocoa, and coffee, is associated with slower biological aging—lower epigenetic age acceleration and longer telomeres—even after adjusting for caffeine and other factors. While the associations are strong, causality isn’t established, and researchers urge controlled trials before making dietary recommendations; the link was particularly notable in former smokers.
A molecular ecology researcher, formerly at CSIRO, lost two papers and received an expression of concern for a third due to data issues related to DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks used to estimate animal ages, leading to retractions and ongoing investigations.
A study shows that strong, sustained social connections throughout life can slow biological aging by reducing inflammation and resetting epigenetic clocks, highlighting the importance of social support for health and longevity.
The axolotl, an amphibian capable of regenerating tissues and resisting cancer, shows signs of negligible aging at the molecular level, with DNA methylation patterns remaining stable after the first four years of life, suggesting it may experience little to no biological aging beyond early development.
Leading longevity expert Steve Horvath advises against spending money on expensive biological age tests and instead suggests four simple and affordable actions to reduce biological age: not smoking, increasing vegetable intake, exercising, and reducing chronic inflammation. Horvath's research on epigenetic clocks has shown that these lifestyle changes can measurably lower biological age. He emphasizes that while DNA-based tests are available, they are not clinically meaningful yet, and individuals should focus on known evidence-based strategies for healthy aging.