Saturday, July 19, 2025

Shocking Truth About Aging: When Do We Really Start to Feel It?

Yonhap News

When does the human body start to age rapidly?

According to The Guardian, a recent study published in the journal Nature Aging sheds light on this question. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers tracked thousands of biomolecular changes across various age groups.

The study involved 108 volunteers ranging in age from 25 to 75. Over 1 to 7 years, the team collected blood, stool, and swab samples from their skin, mouth, and nose. They monitored the aging process by examining 135,000 molecules—including RNA, proteins, and metabolic products—and microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the volunteers’ skin and in their intestines. Significant changes were observed in molecules and microorganisms during the mid-40s and early 60s.

The research identified that the most notable changes in the mid-40s were linked to molecules associated with cardiovascular diseases and the metabolism of caffeine, alcohol, and fats. By contrast, changes in the early 60s involved molecules related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.

Both periods saw changes in molecules related to skin and muscle aging.

According to the study, the human body undergoes rapid aging at two critical stages: around age 44 and again at age 60.

Professor Michael Snyder, a Stanford geneticist and the study’s lead author, explained, “We’re not just changing gradually over time. There are some really dramatic changes.”

“It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s – and that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.”

The researchers also noted that some of these molecular shifts might be linked to lifestyle and behavioral factors. For instance, changes in alcohol metabolism could be associated with increased drinking during the stressful mid-40s.

Snyder suggested, “I’m a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we’re still healthy.

Hot this week

U.S. Hits Chinese Graphite With 93% Tariff—Your Next EV Just Got Pricier

The U.S. imposes a 93.5% tariff on Chinese graphite, risking a $1,000 increase in EV prices as tax credits end and production costs rise.

Crypto Boom: XRP Soars After Congress Passes Stablecoin Bill

The Stablecoin Act has passed Congress, boosting crypto markets, with XRP hitting a new all-time high and regulatory clarity for stablecoins.

Market Panic? Rich Investors Saw a Bargain, Morgan Stanley Says

Morgan Stanley's profits surged as wealthy clients bought stocks during a market downturn, driven by Trump's tariff announcement.

Oil Prices Keep Dropping as Trade Fears Grow

Oil prices fell for the third consecutive day due to rising U.S. gasoline inventories and trade tensions impacting global demand.

Tesla and BYD Battle for Japan’s Electric Car Crown: Who Will Win?

Tesla and BYD aggressively expand in Japan's EV market, aiming to challenge local automakers amidst low EV adoption rates.

Topics

U.S. Hits Chinese Graphite With 93% Tariff—Your Next EV Just Got Pricier

The U.S. imposes a 93.5% tariff on Chinese graphite, risking a $1,000 increase in EV prices as tax credits end and production costs rise.

Crypto Boom: XRP Soars After Congress Passes Stablecoin Bill

The Stablecoin Act has passed Congress, boosting crypto markets, with XRP hitting a new all-time high and regulatory clarity for stablecoins.

Market Panic? Rich Investors Saw a Bargain, Morgan Stanley Says

Morgan Stanley's profits surged as wealthy clients bought stocks during a market downturn, driven by Trump's tariff announcement.

Oil Prices Keep Dropping as Trade Fears Grow

Oil prices fell for the third consecutive day due to rising U.S. gasoline inventories and trade tensions impacting global demand.

Tesla and BYD Battle for Japan’s Electric Car Crown: Who Will Win?

Tesla and BYD aggressively expand in Japan's EV market, aiming to challenge local automakers amidst low EV adoption rates.

Nvidia Stock Surges Past $170 After U.S. Clears China Chip Exports

Nvidia's stock surged over 4% after the Trump administration lifted export restrictions on H20 semiconductors to China.

Army’s New Shaving Rule Could Push Out Thousands of Black Soldiers

The U.S. Army's new shaving policy may disproportionately impact Black soldiers with shaving difficulties, raising concerns over its fairness.

Trump Slams Fed Chair Again, Demands Rates Below 1%

Trump criticizes Fed Chair Powell, insists interest rates should drop below 1%, claiming the economy is strong and inflation is nonexistent.

Related Articles