Science Weekly
How old are we really? What a test can tell us about our biological age
May 6, 2025
Brian H Chen, an epidemiologist at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, dives into the fascinating world of biological age vs. chronological age. He explains epigenetic clocks and their ability to measure our biological age based on DNA methylation patterns. The discussion covers the accuracy of these tests, potential lifestyle changes to lower biological age, and their intriguing applications in forensic science and clinical trials. Chen emphasizes that while these tests are popular, a healthy lifestyle remains key to aging well.
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Quick takeaways
- Epigenetic clocks measure biological age through DNA methylation changes, revealing discrepancies between biological and chronological aging in individuals.
- Healthy lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise have proven beneficial effects on biological aging, supporting existing public health guidelines.
Deep dives
Understanding Biological Age and Molecular Clocks
Biological age is measured not by chronological years but through various scientific methods that assess how well the body is aging. Researchers are particularly focused on molecular clocks, especially epigenetic clocks, which analyze changes in gene expression caused by chemical tags around DNA. These changes in DNA methylation can indicate how quickly cells are aging compared to actual age. The epigenetic clock reveals that while many people's biological and chronological ages align, some individuals may show significant differences, pointing to slower biological aging.
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