Decoding the genes of the world's oldest woman, discovering something surprising

Maria Branyas Morera, one of the world's longest-lived people, has a gene that makes cells appear younger than their actual age and a gut microbiota similar to that of a newborn.

Maria Branyas Morera celebrates her 117th birthday at a nursing home in Spain on March 4, 2024 - Photo: REUTERS

Ms. Branyas, who was born in the United States and died at the age of 117 in August 2024 in Spain, once attributed her longevity to “luck and good genes.” New scientific evidence has proven Ms. Branyas right, according to the Guardian on March 13.

Scientists studied Branyas’ DNA and microbiome (mainly gut bacteria) before her death and determined that she inherited genes that allowed her cells to feel and act as if they were 17 years younger than they actually were.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Branyas's microbiome resembled that of a newborn. In addition, the research team led by genetics professor Manel Esteller, working at the University of Barcelona (Spain), also discovered that Mrs. Branyas remained lucid until near the end of her life. The illnesses she encountered in her old age were limited to joint pain and hearing loss.

The team's study of Branyas is the most comprehensive study to date of supercentenarians (over 110 years old), and offers some potential explanations for the characteristic longevity of certain individuals.

The researchers noted that Branyas’s healthy lifestyle choices also helped her take advantage of her unique genetics. She doesn’t drink or smoke, eats yogurt every day, enjoys walking, and is surrounded by family and friends.

Researchers say all of these factors appear to have helped her stave off the physical and mental decline that could have shortened her life.

The team hopes that Branyas’s research will provide useful information for those looking to develop drugs and treatments for age-related diseases. Branyas is a prime example that aging and disease — at least under certain conditions — do not necessarily go hand in hand.

Surviving World Wars, 1918 Flu Pandemic, COVID-19

Ms. Branyas has lived through some of the most significant global events, including the Spanish Civil War, World War II, the 1918 influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. She contracted COVID-19 but was asymptomatic and recovered shortly thereafter.

In January 2023, Guinness World Records recognized Ms. Branyas as the world's oldest person after French nun Lucile Randon passed away at the age of 118.

When asked by Guinness about her thoughts on longevity, Branyas replied that "order, quiet, good connection with family and friends, being in touch with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, always optimistic and staying away from toxic people".

"I think longevity is also a matter of luck. Luck and good genes," said Ms. Branyas.

The oldest person in the world today is Mrs. Inah Canabarro Lucas, 116 years old, living in Brazil.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giai-ma-gene-cu-ba-tung-tho-nhat-the-gioi-phat-hien-dieu-bat-ngo-20250314121334929.htm