A molecular ecology researcher, formerly at CSIRO, lost two papers and received an expression of concern for a third due to data issues related to DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks used to estimate animal ages, leading to retractions and ongoing investigations.
A study shows that strong, sustained social connections throughout life can slow biological aging by reducing inflammation and resetting epigenetic clocks, highlighting the importance of social support for health and longevity.
The axolotl, an amphibian capable of regenerating tissues and resisting cancer, shows signs of negligible aging at the molecular level, with DNA methylation patterns remaining stable after the first four years of life, suggesting it may experience little to no biological aging beyond early development.
Leading longevity expert Steve Horvath advises against spending money on expensive biological age tests and instead suggests four simple and affordable actions to reduce biological age: not smoking, increasing vegetable intake, exercising, and reducing chronic inflammation. Horvath's research on epigenetic clocks has shown that these lifestyle changes can measurably lower biological age. He emphasizes that while DNA-based tests are available, they are not clinically meaningful yet, and individuals should focus on known evidence-based strategies for healthy aging.