Tag Archives: AntiAging

Theobromine: A Dark Chocolate Compound That May Offer Anti-Aging Benefits

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Researchers at King’s College London have found significant connections between theobromine, a widely-known plant compound from cocoa, and measures of epigenetic aging, indicating that theobromine may be associated with human aging.

third others. We illustrate that the documented beneficial relationship between health and aging and theobromine intake extends to the molecular epigenetic level in humans. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Coffee and cocoa are popular foods and are linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality,” commented lead author Ramy Saad, Ph.D., along with colleagues.

“They contain several significant alkaloids, including theobromine, caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine, and 7-methylxanthine.”

“Theobromine and 7-methylxanthine are partial metabolites of caffeine, yet both exist in much greater concentrations in cocoa as unprocessed primary metabolites.”

“Theobromine has long been associated with various health benefits and aging. For instance, studies in model organisms have confirmed a link between theobromine and extended lifespan.”

“Moreover, various human cohort observational studies have reported clear links between theobromine intake and multiple aspects of improved health.”

“Nonetheless, the exact impacts of theobromine on health and aging remain unclear, and the molecular pathways behind these effects are largely unknown.”

In the research, scientists analyzed the levels of theobromine in individuals’ blood against blood-based indicators of biological aging.

Across two European cohorts, which included 509 participants from TwinsUK and 1,160 from KORA, individuals with elevated levels of theobromine in their bloodstream exhibited a lower biological age compared to their chronological age.

“Our research discovered a correlation between key components in dark chocolate and prolonged youthfulness,” stated the study’s senior author, Professor Jordana Bell.

“While we’re not advocating for increased dark chocolate consumption, this study sheds light on how common foods might offer insights into healthier, longer living.”

The researchers also explored whether other metabolites found in cocoa and coffee reflected similar associations.

However, they concluded that the effect appears to be unique to theobromine.

Two different assessments were used to measure the biological age of participants.

Some researchers examined chemical alterations in DNA to estimate an individual’s aging rate.

Other scientists assessed the length of telomeres, the protective end caps of chromosomes, as telomere shortening is linked with aging and age-associated diseases.

“This is a fascinating finding, and the next crucial question is: What drives this association, and how can we further explore the interactions between dietary metabolites and the epigenome?” Dr. Saad remarked.

“This strategy could unveil significant discoveries about both common and rare diseases, as related to aging and beyond.”

“This study has uncovered another molecular mechanism through which natural compounds present in cocoa promote health,” noted study co-author Dr. Ricardo Costeira.

“Although further investigation is warranted, the findings highlight the importance of population-level analysis in the fields of aging and genetics.”

of findings Published in a journal on December 10th aging.

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Ramy Third others. Theobromine is associated with delayed epigenetic aging. aging published online on December 10, 2025. doi: 10.18632/aging.206344

Source: www.sci.news

The Best Foods for a Longer, Healthier Life: Anti-Aging Diet Research Unveiled

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Studies spanning three decades on eight popular diets have pinpointed the ones most likely to promote long-term health since the 1970s.

The Alternative Healthy Diet Index (AHEI) diets have shown slightly superior health benefits compared to the planetary health food index, Mediterranean diet, and healthy plant-based diets.

The AHEI diet focuses on increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts while limiting other foods like sugary drinks, red and processed meat, salt, and trans fats. Some meat, fish, and dairy products are allowed in moderation.

Other diets studied had similar characteristics but varied in terms of the amount of permissible meat intake for foods like olive oil, fish, and berries.

“This diet provides all the essential nutrients and food varieties necessary for maintaining a healthy life,” stated corresponding author Dr. Marta Guash Fere, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “It is a widely recognized dietary pattern focused on disease prevention.”

The study’s healthy diet emphasizes plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts – Credit: Marcos Elif Castillo Ramirez via Getty

The study conducted by Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health, Copenhagen University, and the University of Montreal analyzed data from over 105,000 middle-aged nurses and healthcare professionals.

Participants completed meal surveys over 30 years which were scored based on their adherence to eight different dietary patterns.

While only 9.3% of participants were categorized as healthy agers, those closest to the AHEI diet were found to be 86% more likely to reach 70 years of age in good health.

These individuals were also over twice as likely to reach 75 years of age in good health compared to those following diets less similar to the AHEI diet.

Healthy aging was defined as reaching 70 years of age with good cognitive, physical, and mental health without major chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

“This research focuses on healthy aging, aiming not just for longevity but for quality of life as well,” explained Guash Ferre. “We are concerned with maintaining overall health in various aspects – physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental.”

The second most effective diet was the Planetary Health Diet Index, promoting both human and environmental health by favoring plant-based diets.

Adherence to any of the eight diets was associated with improved aging, all emphasizing high plant food intake over meat, including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Though they shared similarities, some diets were variations of the Mediterranean diet focused on longevity, while others were more plant-based or designed for specific purposes like reducing inflammation or safeguarding against cognitive decline.

Guash Ferre noted the intriguing aspect that the diet most conducive to healthy aging includes moderate incorporation of healthy animal-based foods.

She suggested that these proteins might benefit middle-aged and older populations by protecting against conditions like osteoporosis but may not be ideal for younger adults not addressed in the study.

Reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to improved aging, a finding detailed in Natural Medicine.

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About our experts:

Dr. Marta Guash Fere is an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and at the Department of Nutrition in Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She holds a PhD in nutritional epidemiology.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the potential of your brain community could hold the key to anti-aging. Here’s why.

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Good neighborhoods are defined by the people who reside there. The presence of a helpful individual can enhance the community, while a negative neighbor can detract from its overall quality. The same concept applies to the brain, as revealed in a recent study indicating that brain cells behave like communities. Some cells contribute to a nurturing environment, promoting health and resilience in adjacent cells, while others spread stress and damage like bad neighbors.

Throughout one’s life, the composition of this brain community influences the aging process. Negative relationships can accelerate aging and lead to issues such as memory loss, while a healthy brain community can work collectively to combat aging. Researchers at Stanford University believe that these findings could potentially inform the development of treatments to slow or reverse aging.

Published in the journal Nature, the study identified 17 cells that influence aging positively or negatively. Notably, T cells and neurons were highlighted for their significant impact as bad and good neighbors, respectively. T cells, typically involved in fighting infections, can contribute to inflammation in the brain and hasten aging, while neural stem cells play a vital role in rejuvenation and maintaining a youthful brain.

The researchers conducted gene activity mapping across 2.3 million cells in the mouse brain, constructing a “spatial aging clock” to predict the biological age of individual cells. This innovative approach could lead to new biological discoveries and interventions, such as inhibiting pro-aging factors released by T cells or enhancing the efficacy of neural stem cells.

These findings have implications for understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and potential strategies to strengthen the brain’s natural repair mechanisms and prevent cognitive decline. The research offers hope for uncovering ways to support brain health and combat aging-related challenges.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The advantages of anti-aging drugs surpass the disadvantages

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The field of anti-aging medicine has exploded in recent years as discoveries about the basic biology of aging are translated into experimental treatments. The latest fountains of youth to bubble out of the lab come in the form of vaccines against age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. The first of these could be available by the end of the decade. Multipurpose anti-aging vaccines are also in development (see “New Anti-Aging Vaccine Shows Hope for Preventing Diseases, Including Alzheimer's”).

The benefits of such a vaccine are clear: It would be welcome to limit the impact of age-related conditions on people who live into old age and the loved ones who often end up caring for them, and it could also help address the increasingly severe social and economic costs of these diseases.

But like all anti-ageing measures, there are potential downsides. Significantly extending the lifespan of millions of people could lead to a population explosion on an already resource-strained planet. If vaccines simply delay the onset of age-related symptoms, they postpone the costs to people and society. And, as Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan said earlier this year, a long-lived society is prone to a stagnant one.

These are common fears, and the standard answer is that the goal is to extend healthspan: that is, for people to live longer, free from old-age diseases, before suddenly succumbing to death.

At least, that's the idea. The results won't be known until the treatment is deployed on a large scale, at which point it'll be too late to put the genie back in the bottle. But that's not an option anyway. If vaccines or other anti-aging treatments are effective and affordable, they'll be used.

Moreover, no one would argue that innovations like antibiotics, vaccines, and advanced diagnostics were bad ideas, even though they have ushered in an era of age-related diseases. Similarly, life-saving medical advances should not be feared because of unintended consequences; any downsides are a price worth paying if they can make life longer and less painful.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A revolutionary anti-aging vaccine offers hope in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s

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I’ll be 60 in just over 5 years, which is a big deal. I already have an age-related disease (high blood pressure), and the odds are good that I haven’t been diagnosed with at least one more by then. After that, the symptoms of age will pile up and bring me to my inevitable end. Many of you will no doubt be in a similar situation. We are living longer than ever before, but those extra years don’t necessarily come with good health.

But judging by recent trends, my sons may be even luckier. Instead of facing a long list of common diseases in their 70s and 80s, they may be able to immunize themselves against them. They may be able to celebrate middle age with vaccinations that immunize them against Alzheimer’s, cancer, and hypertension. What’s more, they may even have access to an anti-aging panacea that vaccinates against all of these and more, allowing them to enter old age in better health than most of us today could hope to achieve.

Suddenly, an ancient medical technique looks set to become a game changer in the fight against diseases associated with age. Vaccines, the most commonly used injections for infectious diseases like COVID-19 and measles, are now showing promise for treating non-infectious diseases, particularly those associated with age. The field is advancing rapidly, and there are signs that, in the right winds, I and others my age might be able to benefit from these vaccinations. It’s so…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary Anti-Aging Neurotechnology: The innovative device designed to maintain youthful brain function

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Living a healthier life can be achieved in many ways. Simple activities like daily walks, healthy eating, and brain-boosting puzzles like Sudoku can keep your mind and body active. For a unique approach, consider trying neuromodulation, which involves sending electric shocks to the brain.

Neuromodulation is an innovative method that uses a stimulator placed on the head to deliver electrical shocks directly to the nervous system. This non-invasive technique offers numerous health benefits and has gained traction as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing well-being.

The concept of neuromodulation has been around for some time, but companies like Parasin and gamma core have reignited interest in recent years. These companies claim to improve mental performance and overall health with their devices that can be used conveniently at home.

Research from reputable institutions like UCL, Harvard University, and University College London supports the effectiveness of neuromodulation. Even tech entrepreneurs like Brian Johnson have shown interest in this technology.

What is neuromodulation and how does it work?

Neuromodulation is a technique that alters neural activity by delivering electrical signals to specific areas. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can increase or decrease nerve or brain activity. This method can excite or inhibit nerves to alleviate pain and modify neural patterns associated with various conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Companies like Parasym use “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” to deliver electrical signals through the ear to target the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain, heart, and digestive system.

How technology can slow aging

Neuromodulation can help slow down the aging process by combating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving cardiovascular health. Research shows promising results in addressing age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart conditions.

While neuromodulation offers benefits like improved heart rate variability and reduced fatigue and depression, it remains in the early stages of development. Safety concerns and experimental results underscore the need for further research and validation.

Is neuromodulation safe?

Neuromodulation has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, with modern devices providing safer options for users. Implantable devices offer more effective treatment but come with higher risks, including infections and other complications.

Non-invasive wearable devices like those from Parasym are considered safer, with minor side effects like skin irritation being the main concern. These devices require consistent use to deliver optimal results, making them a more accessible but less durable alternative to implantable devices.

While neuromodulation technology shows promise in improving health and well-being, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and potential risks before investing in these innovative devices.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Newly Found Anti-Aging Cells Offer Potential for Prolonged Youthfulness

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The ‘fountain of youth’ isn’t locked away in a philosopher’s stone or a mythical body of water, according to new research. In fact, US scientists say the key to slowing aging is hidden within our bodies.

It was announced in new research that: The secret to anti-aging lies in white blood cells known as T cells. The researchers behind the study discovered that these cells can be reprogrammed into senescent cell-killing machines known as CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells.

When they tested this treatment on mice, they lost weight, improved their metabolism and glucose tolerance, increased physical activity, and led healthier lives. Moreover, there is no tissue damage or toxicity.

“If you give this to old mice, it rejuvenates them. If you give this to young mice, it slows down the aging process. There are currently no other treatments that can do this.” Corina Amor Vegas is an assistant professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in the United States and one of the authors of the paper.

Researchers call this treatment a “living drug.” That’s because when CAR T cells are genetically modified, they become more aggressive in attacking a group of cells known as senescent cells.

Senescent cells are responsible for many of the conditions and diseases that develop as we age, such as obesity and diabetes. As the years go by, we accumulate more and more of them, and this causes a buildup of harmful inflammation. However, CAR T cells may be able to eliminate them and slow the effects of aging.

This treatment is already approved in the United States to treat blood cancers. But this is the first time scientists have shown that CAR T cells can slow or even reduce the effects of aging.

There are already drugs that can eliminate senescent cells, but these must be taken repeatedly. The effects of CAR T cells, on the other hand, are long-lasting. If he takes one dose when he is young, he will be protected for life.

“With CAR T cells, you could potentially get away with just one treatment. For chronic diseases, this is a big advantage. Think about the patients who need treatment,” said Amor Vegas. If administered intravenously, it will be fine for several years. ”

Scientists will then investigate whether the cells not only make you healthier for the rest of your life, but also help you live longer.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Blueprint for Youth: A new book on anti-aging

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Royal Institution Christmas Lecture

As the busiest year in the history of artificial intelligence (AI) comes to a close, Professor Mike Wooldridge is preparing to deliver the Royal Institution’s first Christmas lecture on this topic. BBC Science Focus news editor Noah Leach spoke with him to get a preview of the demonstrations included in his talk and to get some insight into how he thinks AI will change children’s world.

Billionaire’s Christmas List

If we were all millionaires, Christmas would be very different. We want to buy our loved ones a diamond chess set or a trip to the moon, but we’ve set our sights on more modest gifts. But who said we can’t dream? So this year, we’ve selected some of our favorite “money doesn’t matter” gifts, as well as some more realistic alternatives.

Natural disaster: earthquake

Earth-shaking earthquake events can occur far from fault lines between plates. And there’s no easy way to predict when and where they’ll hit (unless you’re at a Taylor Swift concert).

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  • Science in 2023, summary: Science news is always breaking, whether it’s an unexpected discovery or an answer to a question you never knew would be asked. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting science articles that made headlines over the past 12 months.
  • Planet Earth III: join the bbc Planet Earth III Join the film crew as they go behind the scenes at an urban farm that has turned fields into towers and is run almost entirely by robots.
  • The future of law enforcement: In some cases, witnesses may identify the wrong suspect and an innocent person may be convicted of a crime they did not commit. But new interactive images could help eyewitnesses recall memories more accurately, revolutionize policing and reduce the number of wrongful convictions.

No. 399 Released on December 7, 2023

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com