Scientists may have found an important clue about how Maria Branyas Morera, a recently-deceased woman, lived until she was 117 years old. Among other things, Branyas appears to have a particularly unusual gut microbiome.
Scientists at the University of Barcelona led a study that examined Branyas' longevity, the result was reported earlier this month by Spanish media Ara. According to the researchers, Branyas's microbiome is very similar to the ones commonly found in infants. In addition to her lucky genetics and healthy lifestyle choices, these microbial passengers may also allow Blanis to live a long and healthy lifestyle life.
Branyas was born in the United States in 1907, although her family moved back to Catalonia, Spain soon after. She was a nurse all her life, often working with her physician husband, Joan Moret until her death in 1976. In 2000, she moved to a retired residence in northern Catalonia, although there was more time left.
By January 2023, Guinness World Records officially recognized the Guinness World Records after the death of 118-year-old Lucile Randon in France. Around that time, University of Barcelona geneticist Manel Esteller and his team convinced her to perform a series of medical tests in an attempt to uncover some of the secrets behind her longevity. After that, the team discovered several things that could account for Branyas' longevity.
For example, Branyas appears to have excellent genetics, which slows down age-related progression in her body cells. The researchers estimate that her cell age may be 17 years younger than her actual age. Branyas does a lot to stay healthy, avoid things like alcohol and smoking, walk regularly, adopt a Mediterranean diet, and have a rich social life (she and Moret (she and Moret) have three children, two twelve grandchildren and great-grandchild). She also seems to have a unique gut microbiome, a community that is often harmless, often helpful bacteria that live in our guts. According to Esteller's team, Branyas's microbiome is similar to that found in infants.
It is worth noting that not only did Branias live for a long time, but she also experienced few major medical problems and continued to have a keen memory and a clear mind until the end, Esteer said. Branyas lived in both world wars, the Spanish Civil War and two major pandemics: the Spanish flu in 1918 and Kuved was 19 years old, who only caused her mild attacks on the viral disease. But last August, Branias finally died at the age of 117 – according to her family, she fell asleep.
It is believed that the microbiome plays an important role in many aspects of our health, and microbiome imbalance can lead to health problems. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how the microbiome shapes our health, and it is clear that Blanis has many other important factors for her. But the researchers do hope that their research on her and other long-lived humans will lead to discoveries that may benefit everyone.
