The secret of an 117 -year -old “young” was a genome that resembled her other animals

Scientists have studied genetics and lifestyle factors that allowed María Branyas Morera – officially the oldest person in the world until he died last year – reaching 117 years. It had a young microbiome and an “exceptional genome associated with increased useful life in other species.”

Between January 17, 2023 and August 19, 2024, María Branyas Morerafrom Spain, it was officially the oldest person in the world, until 117 years and 168 days.

To find out the secrets of his extraordinary longevity, a team of researchers has made an in -depth analysis of their genetics, microbiome and lifestyle.

When Morera was 116 years old, the team collected samples from their blood, saliva and feces, to analyze its genetics.

HAS , Manel Estellerfrom the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Barcelona, ​​which was part of the investigation, explained that Morera “had an exceptional genome enriched in variants in genes that are associated with increased useful life in other species, such as dogs, worms and flies”.

Morera, who showed no signs of dementia, also had many genetic variants that maintain Lip Blood Lipid Levelsprotecting the heart and cognition.

According to the researchers, results of blood analyzes revealed that the lipid metabolism was among the most efficient reported. “His lipid profile was amazing, with very low cholesterol,” said Esteller

“At the same time, it was devoid of genetic variants associated with the risk of pathologies such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and metabolic disorders,” he added.

Mulberry I didn’t drink alcohol or smokeand followed a mediterranean dietcomposed of Many vegetables, fruits, legumes and olive oil. I also ate three portions of Simple yogurt, without sugarevery day.

As New Scientist details, team tests also suggest that Morera maintained an efficient immune system to old age and an intestinal microbiome characteristic of a much younger person.

One of the most surprising findings was the high level of actinobacteriota bacteria in its gut, including the famous probiotic Bifidobacterium. This typically declines with age, but is high in centenariesand you think you have multiple anti-aging benefitshow to reduce inflammation.

The team suspects that yogurt consumption helped continuously replenish bifidobacterium levels.

The study last week at Cell Reports Medicine explains the longevity of María Branyas Morera with a “combination of good genes plus the other factors: beneficial microbiome, a biological age shown by a younger epigenoma and an efficient immune system, plus the behavioral part – not smoking, not drinking alcohol, fat -poor diet, etc.”