focus -WSS

focus

author：leisure time 2025-08-25 15:10:08 - browse：99

A crowd of miniature figurines facing towards an hourglass. -- cancer coverage from STAT — Adobe

It’s no secret that a lucky few seem to glide into old age, the years settling gracefully on their bodies, while others appear to have been dragged through time tied to a metaphorical garbage truck. Biologists have been developing numerous ways to measure the rate an individual ages — often called an accelerated or decelerated “biological age” — and trying to translate it into a heightened or reduced risk of the morbidity and mortality that comes with aging.

There’s been a proliferation of various biological aging clocks, mathematical models that look at things like genetic markers or proteins in your body to make some estimation of an individual’s biological age. Research interest in using these clocks has exploded. In the last five years, thousands of papers on or incorporating the clocks have been published. The paper describing one popular biological aging clock, PhenoAge, has over 1,800 citations alone. One recent study suggested that a reason cancer incidence is increasing among younger adults may be accelerated aging, based on this particular clock.

But as scientists use these clocks to associate biological age with specific health risks, like cancer or dementia, and numerous companies eagerly offer biological age measurements in exchange for hundreds of bucks, it may be worth noting that experts don’t agree on what “biological age” actually is.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： Virginia high school admissions case could be legal follow
Next article： Diagnostic tests are hitting their mathematical limits

knowledge

WSS

Disappointing trial forces Pfizer to pivot on obesity medicine plans

Why patients can’t get everything they want on drug pricing

Will the FTC rein in IQVIA's health data empire?

Takeda, Janssen join wearable maker to measure scratching

Fetal surgery at risk from Dobbs and new abortion restrictions

Truvian presents data for its desktop blood

hotspot

focus

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Wikipedia

Drug repurposing or repositioning? The language matters

CDC director unscathed in first congressional testimony

Peter Hotez and the public health issue of online harassment

Flagship Pioneering launches a new biotech in two countries

Food as medicine: CMS rules hamper 'prescribing' of fruits, veggies

Is mRNA technology the right fit for flu shots? Experts aren’t so sure

Supreme Court strikes down use of affirmative action

The battle over 'scope creep' and who gets to be called 'doctor'

Psychedelics group wrestles with new pharma identity

Fetal surgery at risk from Dobbs and new abortion restrictions

Wikipedia

Truvian presents data for its desktop blood

What to do when lifesaving products contribute to climate change

In the gardens at Boston Children's Hospital, families find sanctuary

Senate panel puts off hardest PBM reforms for another day

Is mRNA technology the right fit for flu shots? Experts aren’t so sure

The haunting brain science of long Covid

knowledge

entertainment

hotspot

knowledge