41 studies
Research Library
Peer-reviewed papers from top journals, summarized and graded by evidence strength. Updated Mon, Wed & Fri.
We May Not Be Aging Slower. We're Just Starting Later.
A big question in longevity research is whether rising life expectancy means we're actually aging more slowly. This analysis of mortality data from 12 countries suggests the answer is no. After accounting for historical shocks like wars and pandemics, the rate at which aging accelerates after 80 hasn't changed. The gains in lifespan appear to come from pushing back when serious aging begins, not from slowing the process itself.
Metformin's Anti-Aging Case: Strong Clues but Still No Proof
This review pulls together lab, population, and clinical trial evidence on metformin as a potential aging-slowing drug. At normal doses, metformin seems to flip several key aging switches: boosting cellular cleanup, calming inflammation, and improving energy production. Large population studies link metformin use to lower rates of age-related diseases, even in people without diabetes. However, the review honestly notes that metformin may actually worsen aging in older animals, so the picture is still mixed.
Longevity Protein Klotho May Protect Against Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's
People with Parkinson's disease who carry a specific variant of the klotho gene tended to perform better on executive thinking tasks across two separate groups. In mice engineered to model Parkinson's, boosting klotho levels improved brain function and reduced alpha-synuclein (a toxic protein that builds up in Parkinson's). The cognitive benefits showed up without improving motor symptoms. Lab experiments suggested klotho may work by helping brain cells clear that toxic protein more effectively.
Centenarians Show a Distinct Metabolic Profile Tied to Bile Acids and NAD+
People who live past 100 have a unique metabolic fingerprint. In a study of 213 participants from the New England Centenarian Study, extremely long-lived individuals had higher levels of certain bile acids and lower levels of bilirubin compared to younger controls. Higher bile acid and steroid levels were linked to lower mortality risk. The researchers also built a "metabolomic clock" that estimates biological age, and deviations from it predicted death risk.
Fat Tissue Controls Lifespan Through Insulin Signaling in Fruit Flies
In fruit flies, dialing down a gene called Dicer-1 in fat tissue extended lifespan. It worked even when flies were already on calorie restriction. The mechanism involves a chain reaction: lower Dicer-1 reduces a small RNA molecule in fat, which boosts a hormone that then tells the brain to release less insulin. Less insulin signaling is a well-known longevity pathway across species.
Eight Hyped Compounds Failed to Extend Lifespan in a Major Mouse Study
The NIA's Interventions Testing Program tested eight compounds across three lab sites in genetically diverse mice. None extended lifespan. That includes astaxanthin, alpha-ketoglutarate, pioglitazone, atorvastatin-telmisartan, and others with prior promising results. Some compounds previously shown to work at different doses or start ages didn't replicate under new conditions. Two drugs actually shortened lifespan in female mice.
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Death Risk Across 1.8 Million People
Pooling 54 studies with over 1.8 million participants, each one-point bump on a Mediterranean diet score was linked to a 4% lower risk of dying from any cause. The studies covered diverse populations worldwide, with follow-up periods ranging from 2 to 60 years. Evidence certainty was rated moderate, meaning the association is fairly reliable but not ironclad.
Fish-Eaters and Vegetarians Show Slower Biological Aging Than Regular Meat-Eaters
Among over 400,000 UK adults, people who ate fish but little meat aged the slowest biologically. Vegetarians came in a close second. Regular meat-eaters aged fastest by two different biological age measures. These patterns held up over time too. People who stuck with low-meat, fish-based, or vegetarian diets saw their biological aging slow down compared to consistent meat-eaters during follow-up.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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