Unlocking the Secrets of a 117-Year-Old Woman's Longevity
Introduction
A recent study on the DNA of a 117-year-old woman has revealed fascinating insights into the secrets of living a long life. Supercentenarians, individuals who live to be 110 or older, have a unique ability to delay the effects of aging and prolong their lives. This study offers a glimpse into the genetic factors that may contribute to their remarkable longevity.
Key Details
The study, conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions, analyzed the DNA of the 117-year-old woman and compared it to the genetic profiles of other supercentenarians. They found that she had a significantly higher number of genetic variations associated with a longer lifespan. These variations were found in genes related to immune function, DNA repair, and cell maintenance.
Furthermore, the study also revealed that the woman had a unique genetic mutation that was associated with a reduced risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and heart disease. This suggests that her exceptional health may have contributed to her longevity.
Impact
This study has significant implications for further research on aging and longevity. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to a longer life, researchers can potentially develop treatments and interventions to delay or prevent age-related diseases. This could have a profound impact on the quality of life for individuals as they age and could potentially increase their lifespan.
This study also highlights
About the People Mentioned
117-year-old woman
Maria Branyas Morera (1907–2024) was a Spanish supercentenarian recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest verified living person, reaching 117 years and 168 days before her death in August 2024.[1][2][3] Born in San Francisco, United States, to Catalan parents, she moved to Spain at age eight and lived there for the remainder of her life, witnessing major historical events including the Spanish flu of 1918, two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War (during which she worked as a nurse), the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and COVID-19, which she contracted mildly at age 113.[3][4][5] Branyas remained remarkably healthy into extreme old age, free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, with only minor issues like hearing loss, mobility limitations, bronchiectasis, esophageal diverticulum, and osteoarthritis in her final months; she died peacefully in her sleep.[2][3][5] She had three children and 13 great-grandchildren, maintaining strong family ties and an active social life.[4][5] A comprehensive post-mortem study published in *Cell Reports Medicine* by researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and University of Barcelona analyzed her blood, saliva, urine, stool, DNA, epigenome, proteome, metabolome, microbiome, and immune cells—the most detailed multiomics profile of a supercentenarian to date.[1][3][5] Key findings included protective genetic variants for neuroprotection, cardioprotection, and longevity (similar to those in long-lived animals), efficient mitochondrial function, low inflammation, an youthful gut microbiome rich in bifidobacteria (linked to her daily yogurt consumption), and an epigenetic age 15–23 years younger than chronological.[1][2][3][4] Her longevity reflected a blend of genetics and lifestyle: a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, olive oil, and three daily yogurts; no smoking or alcohol; daily habits like walking, piano-playing, gardening, reading, and dog interaction; emotional stability; and avoidance of toxins and regrets.[1][2][4][5] Lead researcher Dr. Manel Esteller noted this "fascinating duality" of aging markers alongside healthy longevity signals, emphasizing that advanced age need not equate to illness.[1][3] Branyas' case offers insights into distinguishing biological aging from disease, though more research is needed.[2][5]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Research Institutions
**Research Institutions** are organized entities dedicated primarily to conducting research, often spanning multiple disciplines and sectors. They serve as hubs for coordinating, promoting, and advancing faculty or expert research interests, frequently transcending departmental or even institutional boundaries to foster interdisciplinary collaboration[1][2]. Historically, research institutes have played pivotal roles in scientific and technological advancement. Early examples include medieval Islamic astronomical observatories such as the 9th-century Baghdad observatory and the Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics in India (14th–16th centuries), which independently made significant mathematical discoveries. In Europe, the 16th-century Uraniborg observatory established by Tycho Brahe was one of the earliest dedicated research complexes. The industrial research model was popularized in the late 1800s by Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, which introduced mass production and teamwork to invention processes[2]. Modern research institutions function as dynamic ecosystems where scientists and researchers continuously learn, collaborate, and compete within a supportive environment. This culture, combined with strong scientific standards and strategic funding frameworks, is critical to their success. Institutions provide resources such as core facilities that offer specialized services beyond the scope of individual investigators, facilitating efficient and advanced research[1][3]. Research institutions have become major drivers of innovation and economic growth. For example, in the United States, notable institutions include Bell Labs, Xerox PARC, The Scripps Research Institute, and SRI International, which have produced groundbreaking technologies and patents. Their role is increasingly recognized through rankings such as the Top 60 Non-Profit Research Institutions by patent output, underscoring their impact on global innovation[2][4]. Today, research institutions continue to evolve with a focus on interdisciplinary research, public service, and bridging academic research with professional and industrial applications. Their ongoing contributions are vital to advancements in business, technology, and policy, making them central to the contemporary innovation ecosystem[1][3][7].
