56 studies
Research Library
Peer-reviewed papers from top journals, summarized and graded by evidence strength. Updated Mon, Wed & Fri.
Apr 12–18, 2026
2Cholesterol, Immune Cells, and IGF-1 Emerge as Key Longevity Signals
Researchers combed through massive genetic databases to find what actually drives long life and slower biological aging. Three factors stood out: cholesterol levels, immune cell traits, and IGF-1 (a growth hormone linked to aging). They also flagged 30 genes and several proteins as possible drug targets for future anti-aging therapies.
Quail Bred to Reproduce More Aged Faster, Supporting a Core Theory of Aging
Researchers selectively bred Japanese quail for higher or lower reproductive effort across several generations. By generations five and six, the high-reproduction birds died sooner. The lifespan difference came from faster aging rates, not from being more fragile to begin with. This is some of the cleanest experimental evidence in vertebrates that investing more in reproduction comes at a real cost to longevity.
Mar 29 – Apr 4, 2026
2Metformin's Anti-Aging Case: Strong Clues but Still No Proof
This review pulls together lab, population, and clinical trial evidence on metformin as a potential aging-slowing drug. At normal doses, metformin seems to flip several key aging switches: boosting cellular cleanup, calming inflammation, and improving energy production. Large population studies link metformin use to lower rates of age-related diseases, even in people without diabetes. However, the review honestly notes that metformin may actually worsen aging in older animals, so the picture is still mixed.
Longevity Protein Klotho May Protect Against Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's
People with Parkinson's disease who carry a specific variant of the klotho gene tended to perform better on executive thinking tasks across two separate groups. In mice engineered to model Parkinson's, boosting klotho levels improved brain function and reduced alpha-synuclein (a toxic protein that builds up in Parkinson's). The cognitive benefits showed up without improving motor symptoms. Lab experiments suggested klotho may work by helping brain cells clear that toxic protein more effectively.
Mar 22–28, 2026
2Centenarians Show a Distinct Metabolic Profile Tied to Bile Acids and NAD+
People who live past 100 have a unique metabolic fingerprint. In a study of 213 participants from the New England Centenarian Study, extremely long-lived individuals had higher levels of certain bile acids and lower levels of bilirubin compared to younger controls. Higher bile acid and steroid levels were linked to lower mortality risk. The researchers also built a "metabolomic clock" that estimates biological age, and deviations from it predicted death risk.
Fat Tissue Controls Lifespan Through Insulin Signaling in Fruit Flies
In fruit flies, dialing down a gene called Dicer-1 in fat tissue extended lifespan. It worked even when flies were already on calorie restriction. The mechanism involves a chain reaction: lower Dicer-1 reduces a small RNA molecule in fat, which boosts a hormone that then tells the brain to release less insulin. Less insulin signaling is a well-known longevity pathway across species.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
Your Weekly Edge
Receive the latest longevity insights, exclusive event invites, and science-backed tips to help you live longer and thrive.
