Measuring Biological Age: Insights From Omics Studies
Our understanding of aging is rapidly evolving thanks to powerful new technologies that allow us to look at the body’s building blocks in incredible detail. These “omics” technologies, which include studying our genes (genomics), the chemical tags on our DNA that control gene activity (epigenomics), the small molecules involved in metabolism (metabolomics), and even the microbes living in our gut (microbiomics), are providing unprecedented insights into the aging process.
By analyzing vast amounts of data from these different molecular layers, scientists are developing new ways to measure “biological age” – how old our body truly is at a cellular level, which can differ from our chronological age. For instance, “epigenetic clocks” use patterns of chemical tags on our DNA to predict biological age with remarkable accuracy. Researchers are also identifying specific genetic variations linked to longer lifespans and discovering how our diet and exercise habits can actually reduce our biological age.
Integrating these diverse data sets, often with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, is crucial. This holistic approach is not only deepening our knowledge of why and how we age but is also leading to the development of personalized strategies to help individuals age more healthily and extend their “healthspan” – the period of life free from disease.
Source: link to paper