MediQuest Society

Our lifespans may be half down to genes and half to the environment

A reanalysis of twin data from Denmark and Sweden suggests that how long we live now depends roughly equally on the genes we inherit, and on where we live and what we do

In wealthy, relatively safe countries, how long people live now probably depends just as much on the genetic variants they inherit from their parents as on their environment and lifestyles. That’s the implication of a study reanalysing data from research in twins in Denmark and Sweden.

For people living in these nations, it may be no surprise that their lifespans are probably half down to their genes and half to their environment. But earlier studies of the twin data, performed decades ago, concluded that genes explained only a quarter of the variation in human lifespans.

“It shifts the balance a bit, saying, OK, there’s…

Scientists found a way to help aging guts heal themselves

Researchers have discovered a way to help aging intestines heal themselves using CAR T-cell therapy. By targeting senescent cells that build up over time, the treatment boosted gut regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved nutrient absorption in mice. It even helped protect the intestine from radiation damage, with benefits lasting up to a year. Early results in human intestinal cells suggest the approach could one day improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients.

Many people notice that certain foods become harder to tolerate with age. One possible reason is damage to the intestinal epithelium, a thin, single layer of cells that lines the intestine. This lining is essential for digestion and overall gut health. In healthy conditions, the intestinal epithelium renews itself every three to five days. Aging or exposure to cancer radiation can disrupt this renewal process, slowing…

Sleep is more important for longevity than diet, exercise, social ties, study says

• Insomnia is a disorder characterized by experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up too early.

• Past studies have linked inadequate sleep to several health conditions, all of which can negatively impact a person’s life expectancy.

• A new study found that insufficient sleep had a more significant impact on decreased life expectancy than other lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and social isolation.

If you struggle getting a good night’s sleep, you’re not alone. Researchers estimate that about 16% of the world’s population lives with insomnia, while a recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that six out of every 10 adult Americans report they don’t get enough sleep.

Could eating more dark chocolate help slow down biological aging?

• A new study investigates a compound called theobromine, which is found predominantly in chocolate.

• Participants with the highest blood levels of this compound had signs that their biological age was advancing more slowly.

• Although the results are preliminary, experts believe they warrant further exploration.

Theobromine is found in cocoa and, to a lesser extent, coffee. It is chemically similar to caffeine but does not have such a pronounced stimulant effect.