[toc position='left'] Biological aging clocks are among the most important tools in modern longevity science. They attempt to answer a deceptively simple question: can we measure how fast a person is aging biologically, rather than just counting the number of years they have been alive? The answer is yes—but with important caveats. Epigenetic clocks use patterns of DNA methylation, a chemical tagging system on DNA, to estimate different aspects of aging. Some clocks estimate chronological age. Others predict disease risk, mortality risk, or the current pace of biological aging. This means biol... epigenetics aging telomeres genetics stem cells omega-3 dna damage biomarkers vitamin d senescence multivitamin
Read moreChildren who struggle to regulate their emotions often experience difficulties with irritability, frustration, and intense anger. This lack of control can lead to challenges in relationships, academic performance, and overall mental health. A recent study found that micronutrient supplements absorbed in the mouth may offer a safe and effective way to improve emotion regulation in children. Researchers conducted a three-phase study involving 48 children with moderate to severe irritability. They assigned the children to two groups: one that began taking a micronutrient powder immediately and on... vitamin a
Read moreChildren who struggle to regulate their emotions often experience difficulties with irritability, frustration, and intense anger. This lack of control can lead to challenges in relationships, academic performance, and overall mental health. A recent study found that micronutrient supplements absorbed in the mouth may offer a safe and effective way to improve emotion regulation in children. Researchers conducted a three-phase study involving 48 children with moderate to severe irritability. They assigned the children to two groups: one that began taking a micronutrient powder immediately and on... behavior micronutrients development
Read moreObesity and overweight are growing global public health concerns, especially among young people. Evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar supports weight loss and improves metabolic health. A recent study found that young people who took apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks lost more weight and exhibited better metabolic parameters than those who took a placebo. The study involved 120 teens and young adults with overweight or obesity. Participants received 5, 10, or 15 milliliters (5 milliliters = 1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar or a placebo diluted in water daily for 12 weeks. They didn't ... diet obesity metabolism weight loss polyphenol
Read moreSerotonin is crucial for early brain development, influencing how brain cells communicate and form networks. The prefrontal cortex, a brain region vital for complex cognitive tasks, such as decision-making and social interactions, is heavily influenced by serotonin levels during development. A recent study demonstrates that alterations in serotonin levels during early life impair prefrontal cortex development, driving changes in the density and function of dendritic spines, the tiny structures on neurons essential for brain communication. Researchers employed advanced imaging techniques to obs... brain depression serotonin mental health development
Read moreGrowth hormone improves bone density and reduces the risk of fractures in women with osteoporosis, according to a 2015 study. Women who received growth hormone were half as likely to experience a fracture over a 10-year period than women who did not. The study involved 80 women (50 to 70 years old) who had osteoporosis and were taking estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy. Researchers randomly assigned the women to receive daily injections of either a low or high dose of growth hormone for three years or a placebo for 18 months. All the women took daily vitamin D and calcium supplements ... aging hormones estrogen bone menopause
Read morePregnancy and early childhood are periods of human development when the body has an increased requirement for micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Animal studies have shown the importance of preconception nutrition for offspring development; however, long-term human trials are lacking. Investigators aimed to determine the long-term effects of preconception micronutrient supplementation on children’s intellectual functioning. Several micronutrients play critical roles in fetal development. For example, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy prevents neural tube defects, and iron plays ... pregnancy micronutrients development
Read moreDuring the process of menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to several physiological changes that include the end of reproductive life. Lower estrogen levels in post-menopausal females may decrease the body’s antioxidant enzymes because estrogen has known antioxidant properties. In a recent report, a group of researchers tested the effects of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) leaf supplements on antioxidant capacity in post-menopausal females. Much of the bodily damage that comes with aging is caused by oxygen radicals, but many foods and supplemen... diabetes moringa menopause
Read more[toc position='left'] > Epigenetic clocks are a subset of the broader subject of biological aging clocks, which you can read a full write-up on here (/topics/biological-age-clocks). Epigenetic clocks are predictors of biological age based on alterations in an individual's DNA methylation profile. Methylations – biochemical processes that modify the activity of a DNA segment without changing its sequence – occur naturally and regulate gene expression to control normal growth and development. With age, the methylation state of various genes may change. These changes are quantifiable and gauge... aging interesting epigenetics dna damage
Read more[toc position='left'] Depression is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by negative mood, loss of interest in doing things, and metabolic, hormonal, and immune disturbances that can degrade a person's quality of life and increase their risk of disease and death. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 322 million people – more than 4 percent of the global population – currently live with depression,[ref doi='10.1001/jama.2017.3826'] the most common mental health disorder worldwide. Between 2005 and 2015 (the most recent years for which robust meta-analyses are availabl... inflammation probiotics circadian rhythm meditation behavior heat stress depression metabolism neurotransmitter nutrition exercise brain microbiome interesting omega-3 menopause
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