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Scientists have discovered the secret of longevity
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
The best minds of humanity have always been interested in the question of human life expectancy. What should be done to extend the years of life? What factors influence longevity? Of course, many will say that ecology, a healthy lifestyle and physical activity are integral components of human health, and therefore long life. However, not everything is as simple as it seems to us. Many also believe in a fate predetermined for each person from above, and if it is destined to die early, then there is no escape from it. I wonder what science will say about this?
A group of scientists from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), led by Director Maria Blasco, using innovative research methods on mammals, have established that life expectancy at the molecular level is determined by telomeres – the end sections of chromosomes that perform a protective function.
The results of the research work carried out by specialists will allow us to lift the curtain on the mystery of human existence.
Telomeres are characterized by the lack of ability to connect with other chromosomes, as well as fragmentation. They carry hereditary information and protect DNA from damage and deformation.
Several studies conducted earlier have already confirmed that life expectancy is determined by the length of telomeres, i.e. these areas are an indicator of human longevity. At the same time, with each cell division, their length decreases.
Until now, however, even based on existing knowledge, experts have been unable to predict the actual lifespan of mammals.
"Previous studies have shown that people with short telomeres have a much higher risk of developing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, this information is rather general and does not apply to a specific person," says lead author Maria Blasco.
To try to find a real way to "predict" the number of years nature has allotted to us, experts studied the length of telomeres in mice.
After analyzing blood samples from long-lived mice, the researchers found that the number of years lived was not dependent on telomere length at any age, but was dependent on telomere shortening throughout life.
“What matters is not how long the telomeres are, but how much they change over time,” the scientists comment.
This study opens up further avenues to explore the influence of lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking and exercise on the rate of aging.
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