What the analysis of the supercentenarian’s biological samples revealed
How to interpret the findings
A comprehensive analysis of the body of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to be over 117, demonstrated that extreme longevity can combine two opposing sets of traits: pronounced signs of aging and robust biological defenses against them. Researchers found low-grade inflammation, beneficial gut bacteria, and protective genetic features in the supercentenarian; furthermore, her biological age—based on epigenetic markers—lagged behind her chronological age.
Thanks to a verified date of birth, the Spaniard Maria Branyas Morera (1907–2024) held the title of the world’s oldest person for nearly a year and a half. She maintained this status from January 17, 2023, until her death on August 19, 2024—a lifespan totaling 117 years and 168 days. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco (USA) to Spanish parents, she had lived in Catalonia since the age of eight. The life expectancy for women in this region is 86 years, meaning Branyas exceeded the average by more than three decades.
What the analysis of the supercentenarian’s biological samples revealed
A paper by Spanish scientists was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. They analyzed biological samples collected from Branyas during her lifetime across multiple levels. A multi-omics analysis integrated genomics, proteomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, making this study the most comprehensive biological analysis of a supercentenarian’s body in the history of such research.
The results revealed a picture more complex than a simple, uniform slowing of the aging process. Lead author Manel Esteller described the woman’s biological profile as displaying an “astonishing duality: the simultaneous presence of signs of advanced aging and healthy longevity.”
Several markers pointed to advanced aging: extremely short telomeres (the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes), pro-inflammatory immune system activity, and a population of aging B-lymphocytes.
Other indicators, however, appeared remarkably favorable. Researchers identified genetic variants in Branyas associated with neuro- and cardioprotection—that is, protection against neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, systemic inflammation was low, beneficial Bifidobacteria dominated her gut microbiota, and her epigenetic biological age was lower than her chronological age.
Interpreting the findings
Scientists emphasize the significance of this combination: it turns out that achieving exceptional longevity does not require avoiding every single marker of aging at all costs. The reverse can also occur—a person may exhibit pronounced signs of aging while retaining biological traits that shield the body from many harmful consequences.
At the same time, the authors caution against drawing direct conclusions; it is premature to link specific biological traits to particular behaviors or lifestyle choices. Nevertheless, they highlight factors worth considering when explaining the phenomenon of Maria Branyas Morera: a healthy diet, a rich and varied social life, and the absence of harmful habits.
The geographical aspect is also of particular interest: Catalonia is not among the planet’s “Blue Zones”—regions where residents live significantly longer than the average population.
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