A New Biological Clock Could Predict When You'll Probably Die
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Scientists have developed a new transcriptomic clock that predicts biological aging and lifespan by analyzing gene activity, offering a more accurate and informative tool than previous epigenetic clocks.
- This clock examines RNA molecules to determine which genes are active or inactive, using data from over 11,000 samples across four mammal species—mice, rats, macaques, and humans—to identify conserved aging markers.
- The clock effectively distinguishes between slower and faster biological aging and predicts mortality risk, correlating with known aging factors such as chronic disease in both animal models and human tissues.
- Researchers highlight that the clock could be useful for evaluating the impact of lifestyle changes and treatments on aging, providing early assessments without the need for lengthy clinical trials.
- While promising, the technique requires further validation in diverse human populations and refinement to better understand the mechanisms behind aging and its biomarkers.