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Thanks for reading The Abstract. This month’s edition is
1,066 words, about a
4-minute read.
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Welcome to the April edition of
The Abstract. This month, the most important science news in our world is remembering the incredible life of Daniel “Danny” Kahneman, Ph.D., a visionary psychologist and beloved member of Elysium’s Scientific Advisory Board. He passed away recently at the age of 90. With National DNA Day around the corner on April 25, we also cover a new study about epigenetic age as a predictor of life outcomes, the relationship between DNA repair and memory, and how leaky mitochondrial DNA drives cellular senescence. Finally, a novel NAD+ precursor called trigonelline is making headlines for its potential to combat aging muscle.
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Daniel Kahneman, Ph.D. (1934‑2024)
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Daniel “Danny” Kahneman, Ph.D., a visionary psychologist who won the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, has died at the age of 90. His research not only paved the way for the field of behavioral economics by integrating insights from psychological research into economic decision-making, it also had far-reaching effects on areas outside of academia, from sports to public health.
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Kahneman was a beloved member of Elysium's Scientific Advisory Board, for which we feel incredibly fortunate. We particularly cherish his appreciation for his fellow thinkers:
“It’s entirely the people who I have met that excite me about Elysium Health, especially the Scientific Advisory Board,” he said of his experience. It was an unbelievable honor to have him on our Board, and he will be greatly missed.
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“All of us at Elysium are deeply saddened by Danny’s passing, which is an immeasurable loss of a true scientific luminary,” Elysium Health CEO Eric Marcotulli said.
“Our grief, though profound, is tempered by the gratitude we hold for the intellectual legacy he leaves behind—both at Elysium and more broadly. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Danny.”
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THIS MONTH
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What We’re Reading
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These are third-party articles about science that we find interesting but have no relationship to Elysium or any of our products. Elysium’s products are not intended to screen, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Epigenetic age measures predict life outcomes
A new study funded by the National Institute on Aging supports the powerful contribution of biological age clocks to longevity science. Researchers analyzed data from more than 3,500 participants aged 51 and older to determine the association between epigenetic age acceleration and age-related health outcomes. They found that second and third generation epigenetic clocks (GrimAge, PhenoAge, DunedinPACE) consistently predicted health outcomes, including cognitive dysfunction, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and mortality. According to the NIA,
"The study findings suggest that along with traditional social and behavioral predictors of health, epigenetic age measures are a valuable tool for aging research and predicting health outcomes later in life.” (National Institute on Aging)
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Basis and slower biological aging
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Your daily Basis routine adds up. Based on epigenetic data, including from our
TIME-A longevity study, taking Basis consistently for two or more years was associated with a ~5% slower rate of aging.* These individuals also had slower rates of aging of the liver, kidneys, and inflammation and metabolic systems.
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Use the code
LONGEVITY at checkout for
25% off your first month of Basis.
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*Compared to individuals who did not take Basis. The data is based on 473 participants who self-reported their supplement use. Biological age can also be influenced by various environmental and lifestyle factors and changes.
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DNA repair is important for memory
Here’s a surprising fact about making long-term memories: It requires DNA damage and brain inflammation. The finding comes from a new study in mice led by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in
Nature. Researchers trained mice to associate a small electrical shock with a new environment—to form a memory of it—and tracked neuronal activity in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory. They discovered that the memory-forming event causes double-strand DNA breaks, an inflammatory response, and the activation of DNA repair mechanisms. The study provides
“the best evidence so far that DNA repair is important for memory,” according to Tomás Ryan, an engram neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin. (Nature)
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Leaky mitochondrial DNA drives cellular senescence
Cellular senescence is a fundamental mechanism or “hallmark” of aging. Senescent cells secrete pro-inflammatory molecules that can cause dysfunction and inflammation in neighboring cells and tissues. A new study led by researchers at Mayo Clinic implicates mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in this process. During apoptosis (programmed cell death), the outer membrane of mitochondria becomes porous and releases mtDNA into the cytosol. A healthy immune system typically clears these cells, but with age, more of these cells stick around and become senescent—secreting damaging molecules in the process. Future therapies may target the release of mtDNA as a way of combating cellular senescence. (NIA)
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Coffee molecule trigonelline is an NAD+ precursor
Trigonelline is a natural molecule found in coffee, fenugreek, and in the human body—and it’s an NAD+ precursor with potential for treating sarcopenia, according to a new study. Researchers report in
Nature Metabolism that NAD+ levels, levels of trigonelline, and mitochondrial function are reduced in sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle and strength. In mouse models, they found that supplementing with trigonelline increased NAD+ levels, enhanced muscle strength, and prevented fatigue during aging. More research is needed to clarify the therapeutic benefit of trigonelline for muscle aging in humans. (Nature Metabolism)
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TERM OF THE MONTH
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Biological age
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/ˌbaɪ.əˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl/ /eɪdʒ/
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Everyone ages at a different rate. Scientists estimate that genetics account for only 25% of this variation, with lifestyle and environmental factors providing the greater influence. Unlike chronological age, which tells you the number of years you’ve been alive, biological age measures the age your body is expected to perform or function, providing insights into your overall health. Biological age is calculated based on your epigenetics—chemical modifications attached to your DNA that determine how your genes are expressed—which are dynamic and modifiable. By monitoring your biological age over time, you can determine how diet and other lifestyle changes impact your rate of aging.
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AGING 101
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New Aging 101: Why NAD+ is everywhere right now
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The recent buzz surrounding NAD+ is the result of decades of careful research. Since 1945, 70,557 scientific papers about NAD+ have been published—and the number continues to grow. Learn how all of this research made it from the labs and scientific journals into social media and dinner table conversations. (Read more)
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