Centenarians' blood sheds light on the mechanisms of longevity
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In Switzerland, only 0.02% of the population reaches the age of 100 or older, prompting researchers to investigate whether specific biological traits contribute to such exceptional longevity. As part of the groundbreaking "SWISS100" study, a collaboration between the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL), scientists compared the blood profiles of centenarians with those of octogenarians (individuals aged 80-99) and younger adults (30-60 years old). This first-of-its-kind large-scale research project aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that enable some people to live significantly longer than others.
The study focused on analyzing blood samples to identify differences in biological markers associated with aging, inflammation, immune function, and metabolism. Centenarians exhibited distinct patterns, including lower levels of inflammation markers, better-regulated immune systems, and unique lipid profiles compared to both octogenarians and younger individuals. These findings suggest that certain genetic or environmental factors may play a role in protecting centenarians from age-related diseases and maintaining their healthspan.
Understanding these biological characteristics could have profound implications for medicine and public health. By identifying the specific mechanisms behind exceptional longevity, researchers may develop targeted interventions to
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026