Duke University Medical Center
DURHAM, N.C. – As people age, it becomes harder to know who is on track for healthy years ahead and who may be at higher risk for serious decline. A new study suggests that part of the answer may already be circulating in the bloodstream.
Research led by Duke Health, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, has found that small RNA molecules known as piRNAs can accurately predict whether older adults are likely to survive at least two more years.
The findings, published February 25 in Aging Cell, suggest that a simple blood test could one day help identify survival risks earlier and guide treatment strategies to promote healthy aging…