'Aging hotspots' in your brain

Plus genius genetics, tailored tips, and hopeful hotspots.

The Livelong Newsletter

Issue 42 | January 17, 2025

Sharing insights to guide your health, wellness, and longevity journey.

Happy Friday!

To live a longer, healthier life, adding certain snacks to your diet can be beneficial, according to a nutritionist.

🍓Berries and nuts are considered excellent for longevity and contain a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, berries help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation, while nuts are great for reducing inflammation and good for brain health. 🥜

We have even more longevity “goodies” for you to check out today. Let’s dive in.

In today’s issue:

  • A special gene may unlock healthier aging

  • The newest personalized skincare gadget on the market

  • “Aging” hotspots in the brain

  • And much more…

We love to hear from you—our community. Please share your feedback, stories, questions, testimonials, ideas, and more with us at [email protected].

👁️‍🗨️SPOTLIGHT

Researchers discover an 'aging hotspot' in the brain

💬 This "aging hotspot" in our brain could unveil how fast we are aging.

Research from the Allen Institute identified an “aging hotspot” in the brain which causes a gradual decline in cellular and molecular functions. 

🧠 The aging hotspot is located in the hypothalamus–a cavity in the brain that is within the center of the head–and understanding it will be crucial to understanding brain aging. 

What’s the research?

💡In a recent study, scientists studied the brains of young and old mice to understand how aging affects their function.

They discovered 2,000+ genes that change with aging

  • Specifically, genes associated with brain function decreased over time.

  • On the other hand, genes that regulate the immune system increased, according to the study. 

This study points to specific cellular changes that occur with aging, laying the groundwork for further studies on aging, related diseases, and future treatments.

 LIVE MORE

  • 🧘🏻‍♀️ Are genes or lifestyle better for longevity? Read more.

  • 💭 Genetic ties to longevity, family, and fertility. Read more.

  • 🧪  Bryan Johnson's Honduras gene therapy, explained.  Read more.

WELLNESS WATCH - Skin health

A new skincare gadget shares what your skin needs in just 5 minutes

This portable device gives a personalized skin analysis in as little as five minutes.

L'Oréal debuted its L’Oréal Cell BioPrint, a portable "lab-on-a-chip" device that provides personalized skin analysis in just five minutes. 💆🏻‍♀️

💰According to L'Oréal, the skincare market is projected to balloon to $125 billion in 2024. This device is said to eliminate the need for "relying on trial and error to determine what work[s]" for your skin.

🔎 The devices use advanced "proteomics" (the study of proteins) and feature exclusive "microfluidic" technology to analyze unique biomarkers linked to skin aging. The device accomplishes three main things:

  • Determines your skin's biological age

  • Predicts the effectiveness of skincare ingredients

  • Prevent skin issues before they arise

As skin is the largest organ in the human body, it’s important to take proactive measures to ensure skin health and slow skin aging.

📰 IN OTHER NEWS

A unique gene can extend lifespan and promote healthier aging

What you need to know about the OSER 1 gene. 

A new study shows the OSER1 gene extends longevity in animals, but understanding this gene could help humans live longer too. 🧬

The OSER1 gene produces a specific protein found in animals which is shown to affect the length of life of various animals (such as fruit flies and silkworms). More research on how the protein works can eventually lead to new treatments to combat aging down the line.

🔬It’s in your genes: A quick dive into the research

  • When the OSER1 gene functions at higher levels, it extends the lifespan of silkworms, nematodes, and fruit flies (while reducing its levels shortens their lifespan).

  • OSER1 is linked to processes like responding to oxidative stress, aging, and reproduction, suggesting it may also influence fertility.

In the meantime, simple things such as getting sound sleep, staying active, eating well, and managing stress are everyday steps to promote a longer, healthier life.

Quick reads

  • The FDA bans red No.3 dye from being added to food. Read more.

  • 🤾‍♂️ Being in shape better for longevity than being slim?  Read more

  • 🫶 Kindness is linked to living longer. Read more

  • 🏓 Why is pickleball your next longevity sport? Read more.

Join us for the ultimate longevity experience

Ready to unlock the secrets to living longer and healthier? Join us this March for the 2025 Livelong Experience, an exclusive, hands-on retreat to dive into longevity science with world-renowned experts! With only 200 spots available, you’ll get the chance to join small-group discussions, rejuvenate in wellness classes, and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Don’t wait—secure your spot now.

LONG-LEVITY

Today's older adults are now healthier in the 21st century, study finds

Better education, nutrition, and hygiene make today's older adults healthier and more capable physically and mentally. 💪

Thanks to improvements in education, food, and cleanliness over the last 100 years, older people are now enjoying a healthier and stronger life than they did a century ago.

A study shows that older adults in England today can do better than older people from before, SciTechDaily reports. For instance, a 68-year-old is now just as capable as a 62-year-old from the past.

  • Medical advances like joint replacements and better treatments for chronic conditions are thought to contribute to better longevity outcomes than in previous decades.

  • Low-impact activities like swimming and yoga are ideal exercises for promoting longevity.

Researchers believe that better living conditions and significant medical advances have played a significant role in these improvements, offering a hopeful outlook into the future of aging.

LIVELONG BOOKSHELF Essentials

Longevity books everyone should read

Author credit: Andrew Steele

Here are some essential longevity books to kickstart your path to health, vitality, and longevity in 2025.

☝️ Find your next transformative read here.

🔛 What’s next?

  • 📥 Subscribe to the community — If you haven’t subscribed, please do so. You’re joining a great community of life.

  • ➡️ Share this newsletter — Share with a friend so they can get fresh, actionable, and evidence-based information to support their health journey, too.

  • 🔔 Find us on YouTube — Livelong is excited about our new podcast, highlighting conversations with the experts.

  • 🌱 Our most recent edition — The power of pets.

🦉 WISDOM FOR LIFE

“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself. 

—Gabrielle Union

About Livelong

Be your own expert. Optimize your health. Look beyond the conventional.

Please note: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them. This helps us continue to bring you credible and actionable health and longevity insights at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any exercise, wellness, or health program. Nothing in our content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Livelong is a media company and not a medical provider. We try to give the most accurate possible, but sometimes information is subject to change.

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