The Secret to Longevity of a 117-Year-Old Woman
Scientists conducted research on the body of Maria Branyas, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 117. It turned out that her cells behaved younger, despite having critically short telomeres, which are usually associated with an increased risk of disease development. This discovery was the result of the work of researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, who collected biological samples from Branyas before her death.
Research Conclusions
The study showed that Maria Branyas had a low level of inflammation in her body, which may have contributed to her longevity. At the same time, her DNA showed critically short telomeres, which are usually associated with an increased risk of cancer. Scientists suspect that these short telomeres may have protected her from cancer.
Eloy Santos-Puyol, researcher: 'This case is a true paradox. Despite the extreme age, the body preserved resources that even much younger people do not have.'
These findings open new perspectives in the research of aging and potential ways to improve the quality of life for elderly people. They also emphasize that the factors influencing longevity may be more complex than just genetic or environmental conditions.
Maria Branyas' research may become an important step in understanding the mechanisms of aging and longevity, which could influence future medical approaches to treating age-related diseases. The discovery of a low level of inflammation and the characteristics of telomeres suggests that longevity may depend not only on genetic factors but also on health condition and lifestyle. These results may stimulate further research in this field, potentially leading to new strategies for improving the health of elderly people.