Gut health study of world's oldest person reveals lifestyle key to longevity
Scientists have discovered a 'blueprint' for long life by decoding the genome, gut health and lifestyle of the world's oldest person who died last year at 117.
Maria Branyas Morera, an American-Catalan Caucasian woman, was born in March 1907 in San Francisco, US, and died in August 2024.
While centenarians are becoming more common thanks to advances in health care, supercentenarians aged over 110 are still extremely rare.
Morera exceeded the average life expectancy of Catalonia, Spain, by over 30 years. She attributed her longevity to 'luck and good genetics' and to 'avoiding toxic people'.
A yet-to-be peer-reviewed study analysed her genes, microbiome and lifestyle to find the cells in her body functioned as if they were 17 years younger than her actual age. And her gut health was extremely youthful, resembling that of a child.
For the new study, researchers developed a comprehensive analysis platform to assess different tissues of Morera for the activity of her genome and proteins as well as microbes living on them.
They compared the results with data from non-supercentenarian populations. Scientists found the supercentenarian's genome likely contained variations linked to a stronger immune system, reduced cancer risk and protection from heart disease.
They particularly probed a type of genome activity modification that happens normally in the body called DNA methylation, which has been linked in previous studies to ageing.
'DNA methylation is probably the most studied epigenetic mark in cell biology and disease, being also disrupted as we age,' the study noted.
In this measure, Morera was 'an outlier', exhibiting a 'much younger biological age than her real chronological age' across three different tissues.
Morera also appeared to have an efficient lipid metabolism with low levels of VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which are linked to heart disease.
'Overall, these data suggest that one of the reasons that our supercentenarian reached such a world record age was that her cells 'felt' or 'behaved' as younger cells, with a biological age of a centenarian,' the study noted.
She had a healthy gut with what researchers described as an 'anti-inflammatory' microbiome.
Morera's gut was rich in Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria known for its anti-inflammatory properties. 'Microorganisms are critical in determining not only the metabolite composition of our body, but also inflammation, intestinal permeability, cognition, and bone and muscle health,' researchers explained.
However, the exact link between the community of microbes living in one's body and longevity remains unclear.
Morera had said she avoided alcohol and smoking, enjoyed daily walks, and followed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, along with three yoghurts a day.
A growing body of research has found links between a high-fibre and probiotic-rich Mediterranean diet to a healthy gut.
'The picture that emerges from our study shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked,' the study concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
35 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dr Michael Mosley's weight loss '5:2 diet'
The 5:2 diet plan is designed to support anyone looking for an effective but gradual way to lose weight - here's what you should know This week marks the first anniversary of Dr Michael Mosley's death. The celebrated medical specialist sadly died of natural causes in Greece. The television star, 67, was renowned for his expertise in nutrition and diet plans, helping countless people lose weight while bolstering their long-term health. One famous dietary programme was the 5:2 diet, which he developed with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, in an effort to simplify dieting for everyone. Despite Dr Mosley's tragic death, the tremendous impact of his work will live on, with his family now establishing a research fund in his name. But what exactly is the 5:2 diet, and how can it help you? If it's something you'd be keen to explore, look no further. The Mirror has compiled everything you need to know about the popularised regimen. What is the 5:2 diet? The 5:2 diet plan is designed to support anyone looking for an effective but gradual way to lose weight. It involves eating normally for five days and reducing consumption for two, often called 'fasting' days. During these fasting days, dieters are advised to consume between 500 and 800 'high-quality' calories while eating within an eight, 12, or 14-hour window. It doesn't matter what days of the week are fasting days, though it is advised to separate them with one 'normal' day. Prioritising Mediterranean-style food is also encouraged across all days, as emerging research increasingly shows it offers greater health benefits than typical 'Western' staples. Specialists at Healthline have explained: "One common way of planning the week is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, with two or three small meals, then eat normally for the rest of the week. "It's important to emphasise that eating 'normally' does not mean you can eat anything. If you eat too much junk food, then you probably won't lose any weight, and you may even gain weight." Does it work? While limited research has been conducted on the 5:2 diet specifically, academic studies have acknowledged the benefits of intermittent fasting. This goes beyond weight control, with scientists highlighting its potential role in chronic illness prevention, too. Following a study in 2021, Dr Benjamin Horne at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute, explained: "Inflammation is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. We're encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting is prompting the body to fight inflammation and lowering those risks." He later added: "The best routine is one that patients can stick to over the long term, and this study shows that even occasional fasting can have positive health effects." It's also worth noting that Mediterranean-focused diets other than the 5:2 have garnered notable attention for their possible health perks. These benefits similarly extend beyond weight loss. For instance, last year, the Autonomous University of Barcelona listed garlic, saffron, olives, rosemary, and grapes among the Mediterranean foods with 'active components' that may be advantageous for heart health. Meanwhile, another study from Tulane University even found that Mediterranean diets may be associated with a slashed dementia risk. "Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults," corresponding author Dr Demetrius Maraganore at Tulane University said at the time. "While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk." Is it for everyone? Despite its potential advantages, the 5:2 diet is not for everyone. Kerry Torrens, a nutritionist at the BBC's Good Food, warned that it isn't safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or anyone using specific medications. It's also unsafe for children and teenagers who need more crucial nutrients for growth. Therefore, anyone considering the 5:2 diet is encouraged to seek medical guidance first. Kerry said: "Much of the emphasis given to the 5:2 is on the 'fasting' days, but to be safe, effective and healthy, the food consumed during the other five days of the week needs to be of high nutritional value. "For this reason, you should aim to include essential fats from oily fish, nuts and seeds, lean sources of protein, wholegrains and starchy carbs with plenty of fruit and vegetables to supply the necessary fibre, vitamins and minerals that you need."
Spectator
an hour ago
- Spectator
How Britain can poach America's top scientists
From the time of Newton, Britain led the world in science. That began to change in 1940, when, with the Battle of Britain raging, Winston Churchill sent the scientist Henry Tizard on a secret mission to America. His objective was to secure financial and industrial help in the fight against Hitler. His currency was British military technology, in particular the cavity magnetron, a device that made it possible to locate the enemy with radar. This wowed the Americans and achieved his objective. According to one historian, it was 'the most valuable cargo ever brought to [America's] shores.' While this was a hand-over of scientific power, it catalysed the Anglo-American scientific alliance, which has seen a flow of talent ever since between our two nations. At times there have been concerns that this might be one-way traffic: from us to them.
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
D-Day landings boosted by import of ‘wonder drug' to Britain, archives reveal
Production of the antibiotic penicillin had struggled to take hold at a large scale in Britain, despite being discovered in 1928 in London by Sir Alexander Fleming. Attempts to produce substantial quantities of medicine from the bacteria-killing mould had not been achieved by the start of the Second World War. Then prime minister Sir Winston Churchill became increasingly frustrated that Britain had not been able to produce enough penicillin in the preparations for the Normandy landings in 1944. Official papers released by the National Archive – containing handwritten notes by Sir Winston – highlight efforts to boost quantities of the antibiotic, with Britain eventually forced to import it from America. The documents were released ahead of the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Official papers highlight the efforts to boost quantities of penicillin (The National Archives/PA) In one report on February 19, after the issue had been raised in the House of Commons, Sir Winston scrawled in red ink on a Ministry of Supply report noting the Americans were producing greater quantities: 'I am sorry we can't produce more.' On another paper, he complained: 'Your report on penicillin showing that we are only to get about one tenth of the expected output this year, is very disappointing.' Elsewhere in the same file he instructs: 'Let me have proposals for a more abundant supply from Great Britain.' With preparations for D-Day ramped up, efforts to deliver enough American-made penicillin for frontline military personnel soon became a matter of urgency. Decisions needed to be made on the quantities of antibiotic imported, how much to administer to individual patients, and how to get medical staff trained in time. Most British doctors did not know how to issue penicillin – until this point, doctors had nothing available to treat infections like pneumonia and many people died of blood poisoning after minor injuries because no drug existed that could cure them. Royal Navy D-Day veteran John Dennett, 101, at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer to mark the 81st anniversary of the landings (Gareth Fuller/PA) Early in January 1944, Prof FR Fraser, the Ministry of Health's adviser on the organisation of wartime hospitals, wrote that 50,000-100,000 wounded could be expected from the Second Front. He proposed the Emergency Medical Services might need as many as five billion units of penicillin per month for this. Further documents show discussions on whether the antibiotic should be supplied as calcium or sodium salts, or in tablet form. Ultimately, it was agreed powdered calcium salts would be issued for superficial wounds and sodium salts for use in deep wounds. On May 24 1944, less than a fortnight before D-Day, Prof Fraser reported: 'Sufficient supplies of penicillin are now available for the treatment of battle casualties in EMS hospitals, but not for ordinary civilian patients.' Plans were made for casualties from the frontline in France to be brought back to coastal hospitals in Britain for treatment. A week before D-Day, on May 30 1944, hospitals were instructed to treat battlefield patients en route: 'In an endeavour to prevent the development of gas gangrene and sepsis in wounds the War Office have arranged for the treatment of selected cases by penicillin to be commenced as soon after injury as possible.' Military reenactors watch the sunrise over Gold Beach in Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy, on the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings (Gareth Fuller/PA) Injections of penicillin were to be given to them at intervals of not more than five hours and patients would be wearing a yellow label with the letters 'PEN'. The time and size of penicillin doses should be written on it, they were told. Dr Jessamy Carlson, modern records specialist at the National Archives, said: 'File MH 76/184 gives a glimpse into the extraordinary levels of preparation undertaken in advance of the D-Day landings. 'Only six weeks before, penicillin is just reaching our shores in quantities which will allow it to play a major role in improving the outcomes for service personnel wounded in action.' As Allied forces made inroads into Europe, restrictions on the use of penicillin for civilians began to relax, but only in special cases. In July 1944, Ronald Christie, professor of medicine, wrote to Prof Fraser to tell him: 'The War Office approves of American penicillin being used for medical conditions in service patients and for air raid casualties among civilians.' On the home front, demand for the new 'wonder' drug began to increase, according the National Archives. It was decided that penicillin for civilians should only be supplied to larger hospitals where the staff had been properly trained to administer it. Only in 1946 did it become fully available for the general public.
