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What is New in Longevity in August 2024?

In August 2024, the world of longevity research is abuzz with exciting advancements!

From successful ageing strategies to the latest longevity breakthroughs in extending lifespan of humans, the field is rapidly evolving.

This month’s ‘Longevity Newsletter’ dives deep into the most recent studies and discoveries in natural ageing and anti-aging news.

The longevity studies are linked if you would like to read more!

NAD Technology Heading To The US

NADMED, a Finland-based biotech company, has created a test to measure levels of all forms of NAD directly from blood samples.

The company has secured €3.5 million in funding to advance the technology, intending to bring the test to the US and international markets.

NADMED claims the test is the first of its kind, as, compared with mass spectrometry, this method produces faster results with the same level of accuracy for a cheaper cost.

The test also measures forms of glutathione.

Antidiabetic Medications May Lower Risk of Cognitive Diseases

Research has found that antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin, may help mitigate the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The meta-analysis from 16 observational studies, including over 1.5 million patients, found that metformin and SGLT-2 inhibitors were linked with a significantly lower risk of dementia compared with other antidiabetic drugs.

This is important as previous studies thought that the use of antidiabetic drugs could increase cognitive decline.

Metformin is commonly used by diabetic patients, known for its effects on blood sugar, while SGLT-2 inhibitors are often used to manage heart failure and reduce cardiovascular risk.

These results were found to be more prominent in older populations, but further research is needed as not all antidiabetic drugs were tested.

New Insights Into When We Age

New research has come out showing that humans experience two large periods of aging — in our 40s and in our 60s.

It’s been found that aging isn’t constant, but instead, occurs in massive bursts around the ages of 44 and 60, suggesting that aging may be driven by complex biological processes.

The burst in the mid-40s was found to be related to alcohol, caffeine and lipid metabolism, as well as with cardiovascular disease and skin and muscle function, while the burst in the early 60s was linked with carbohydrate metabolism, kidney function, immune regulation and further shifts in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

While more research is needed, the shift in the mid-40s aging may be related to menopause or perimenopause in women.

The research highlights that the risk of developing age-related diseases may be strongly linked with rapid molecular change, either related to biological factors or lifestyle and behavioural factors by these age groups.

The results are based on profiles of 108 participants but was one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.

A Key Protein For Muscle Health and Longevity

Research has found that a key protein, BAG3, is activated through strength training, which may help bring about new therapies for muscle diseases.

BAG3 is a protein that has been found to be crucial for muscle health as it promotes cellular waste removal, meaning is removes damaged muscle components and protects against heart failure and muscle weakness.

This finding has shed light into potential treatments for muscle disease, nerve diseases and heart conditions, as well as potentially being used for preventing muscle atrophy that occurs during space travel.

Manuka Honey May Help Treat Breast Cancer

Clinical trials have found that Manuka honey can remove oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

This form of breast cancer is the most common and, depending on how early it’s detected, generally has a better prognosis.

Modern anti-cancer therapies have side effects and can accelerate aging, and while natural therapies are being tested with promising results, such as resveratrol, curcumin and quercetin, Manuka honey, is also showing promise.

Manuka honey has antibacterial properties due to the compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), along with antioxidant properties, and is high in polyphenols and amino acids.

The findings show that Manuka honey can kill bad cells by apoptosis, being almost as effective in blocking cancer proliferation as tamoxifen, an oestrogen blocker often used against breast cancer.

While more research is needed, the results pave the way for future studies.

HIIT Exercise Improves Cognition

High-intensity interval training has been found to improve cognition, even after 4.5 years after the study ended.

The study suggests that HIIT improves spatial learning as well as maintains brain volume and connectivity, with participants exercising three times a week for six months.

Motor function, language processing, learning and memory were also improved.

These results were maintained both six months after the program ended, and then for another four years after.

Sea Anemone Immortality Cells And Human Longevity

Research has found that stem cells in sea anemones that may be linked to their near eternal life, may have profound implications on understanding human aging and disease.

These genes could be what cnidarians, the group that sea anemones belong to, use to regenerate.

The stem cells are also active in humans, but are only active in the formation of egg and sperm cells, whereas in sea anemones, are used for their regenerative properties which prevent them from aging.

Since we essentially live as long as our stem cells, this finding could be used in the future for longevity remedies.

Stretching May Reduce Mortality Risks

Research has found that middle-aged individuals with higher flexibility have a lower mortality risk.

The study tested over 3,000 participants aged between 46 and 65, using a flexibility score called Flexindex.

Men and women with a low Flexidex were found to have a 1.87 and 4.78 times higher risk of dying, respectively.

The findings show that while being aerobically fit, strong and having good balance has previously been linked with lower mortality, being flexible, through stretching, often included in exercise routines, may also improve mortality.

End Note

Want to read more longevity news? Read all about human longevity news and longevity science in our previous editions.

Stay tuned for the latest longevity news released next month!

Interested in longevity supplements? See how Xandro supplements may help in your health span goals today!