Genetics

A sulfur-based compound called LASSS appears to protect and supercharge a key protein involved in repairing damaged muscle. The discovery could eventually lead to new ways to slow muscle loss and preserve strength as people age.

We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. Researchers assessed thousands of different molecules in people from age 25 to 75 — as well as their microbiomes — and found that they do not shift in chronological fashion.

At baseline, older adults exhibited reduced expression of genes associated with cellular respiration and energy metabolism compared to young adults with comparable activity levels.

Muscles make up nearly 40% of the human body and power every move we make, from a child’s first steps to recovery after injury. For some, however, muscle development goes awry, leading to weakness, delayed motor milestones, or lifelong disabilities.

Body composition is reviewed as a composite of several traits each with their distinctive genetic basis, including major effects of genes at single loci. Studies involving twins, adopted offspring, and other family relatives have demonstrated the high heritability (0.4–0.7) of many of the traits involved.