Overview

• A peer-reviewed multi-omics study in Cell Reports Medicine (Sept. 24) analyzed Maria Branyas Morera’s blood, saliva, urine and stool collected before her death at 117.
• DNA methylation clocks estimated a biological age roughly 23 years younger than her chronological age, alongside efficient lipid metabolism and no major age-related diseases.
• Researchers identified rare genetic variants linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegeneration, comparing her data with 75 Iberian women and other long-lived individuals.
• Her gut microbiome was enriched in Bifidobacterium, consistent with lower inflammation; frequent yogurt intake was noted as a possible contributor but not proven.
• Outside experts and the authors caution that single-person findings are not generalizable, though the work proposes candidate biomarkers and drug targets that now require validation; Branyas had asked to be studied before her death in August 2024.