A recent study published in Science reveals that aging occurs differently at the molecular level from person to person, even among individuals of identical chronological age. Researchers tracked 335 women ranging from 32 to 80 years old over an eight-year period, measuring changes in gene activity and metabolite levels through multiple blood samples. The findings demonstrate that while certain genes and metabolites follow predictable patterns across populations, significant variation exists between individuals, with some people’s genes moving in opposite directions compared to the overall trend.
The research identified over 5,000 genes and nearly 200 metabolites that changed substantially over time, many involved in immune function, metabolism, and age-related diseases such as heart disease and neurological conditions. However, the study uncovered considerable individual differences, with metabolite levels rising in some participants while declining in others. Genetic factors appeared to influence these patterns, as identical twins showed more similar aging trajectories than fraternal twins, but environmental and biological factors also played significant roles in shaping molecular changes.
Additional analysis revealed that approximately 40 percent of metabolites fluctuated based on the body’s 24-hour rhythm, while about one-quarter of genes showed seasonal variations. The research also documented associations between synthetic chemicals and certain molecular shifts. These findings suggest that biological aging cannot be captured by a single measurement, challenging current approaches used in “aging clocks” that attempt to estimate biological age through molecular markers.
Originally reported by Livescience →
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