Study Reveals Secrets of 117-Year-Old Maria Branyas' Longevity
A groundbreaking study published in Cell Reports Medicine has shed light on the remarkable longevity of Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 117. Led by Manel Esteller and Eloy Santos-Pujol, the research team discovered that her exceptional lifespan may be attributed to a combination of her diet, gut microbiome diversity, and protective genetic variants.
Maria Branyas Morera, a supercentenarian, agreed to participate in research aimed at understanding her extraordinary longevity. The study, conducted by Esteller and Santos-Pujol, focused on her gut microbiome, which showed surprising diversity, akin to that of someone much younger. This diversity may have been nurtured by her daily yogurt habit and Mediterranean diet, contributing to her overall health and longevity.
In addition to her microbiome, Branyas Morera carried protective genetic variants that guard against common diseases. These genetic advantages, coupled with her beneficial gut bacteria linked to resilience and longevity, formed a powerful combination that supported her exceptional lifespan.
The research, supported by the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, highlights the significance of both genetics and lifestyle in determining human longevity. Maria Branyas Morera's unique case demonstrates that while we cannot inherit 'lucky genes,' nurturing our microbiome through diet and other means may support lifelong health and contribute to a longer, healthier life.
