As we age, our chromosomes gradually wear down at the ends, and this erosion (measured by the length of structures called telomeres) is considered a hallmark of biological aging. But could a lifetime of athletic training help slow that process? A research team reviewed data from 11 studies comparing 240 long-term master athletes to 209 age-matched adults who did not compete in sports, with both groups averaging around 50 years of age. The athletes had typically trained competitively for more than 16 years. The analysis revealed that: Master athletes had significantly longer telomeres overall... aging exercise telomeres
Read morePsilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, is best known for its effects on mood and perception—but it may also influence how we age. Clinical research has shown that a single dose of psilocybin can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and addiction, with benefits that can last for years. A recent study found that psilocin, the active form of psilocybin in the body, extended the lifespan of human cells by up to 57% and promoted longevity in aging mice. To test psilocybin's potential effects on aging, researchers treated human lung and skin cells with psilocin in the lab. They t... aging mushroom psychedelic
Read moreGray hair is often considered an inevitable part of aging, but evidence suggests lifestyle strategies—including diet—could slow it down. A recent study in mice found that luteolin, a plant-derived antioxidant, may help prevent hair graying by targeting key cellular processes. Researchers tested the effects of three antioxidants—luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin—on hair graying in mice prone to premature graying. They applied the compounds topically and administered them orally, then analyzed changes in hair color, stem cell activity, and molecular markers associated with aging hair follicl... diet aging antioxidant polyphenol Hair
Read moreHighly processed foods often contain ingredients such as emulsifiers, thickening agents, and stabilizers that improve texture and extend shelf life, although many of these compounds lack extensive safety testing. Consumption of highly processed foods has increased dramatically in recent decades (now representing over 57 percent of daily calories (https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ajcn/nqab305/6396017?redirectedFrom=fulltext)), alongside rates of inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndrome. Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic emulsifiers in t... microbiome
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acid consumption reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. By reducing inflammation, lengthening telomeres, and blunting the body’s response to stress, omega-3 fatty acids lessen the effects of aging on a cellular level. Authors of a recent study tested the effects of omega-3 supplementation on inflammation and telomere length in response to stress. Telomeres are often compared to the plastic tips on the end of shoelaces (aiglets) because telomeres protect chromosomes from fraying on the ends. Both acute and chronic stress increase inflammation, which ... aging omega-3 inflammation stress il-6
Read moreNew podcast! Dr. Judy Campisi talks about the role of cellular senescence in the aging process and cancer, what causes senescence, and how viable lifestyle interventions (ie. fasting) and certain compounds (ie. rapamycin) that can clear senescent cells may be plausible life extension strategies. Cellular senescence is so important when we discuss aging and cancer because as our cells accumulate damage, which naturally happens as we age (even as a consequence of the energy generating processes and immune cell activation), there's only so many outcomes that we can expect. The first possibility i...
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