Overview
- Published September 24 in Cell Reports Medicine, the multi‑omics study led by Manel Esteller analyzed Branyas’s blood, saliva, urine, and stool collected before her 2024 death and compared her data with 75 Iberian women.
- Her cells and biomarkers appeared biologically younger than her age, with very low inflammation, low LDL and triglycerides, and high HDL consistent with resilient cardiovascular health.
- Genome sequencing identified rare protective variants tied to immune function, cardiometabolic health, and neuroprotection, alongside evidence of highly efficient lipid metabolism.
- Her gut microbiome resembled that of younger people, including abundant Bifidobacterium, which researchers linked to her Mediterranean eating pattern and reported three daily yogurts.
- Telomeres were unusually short, a paradox researchers suggest might have helped limit cancer risk, and outside experts caution that a single case cannot prove causation as Esteller estimates genetics and lifestyle contributed roughly equally.