Scientists have developed a revolutionary tool called CheekAge that can predict biological aging and mortality risk using a simple cheek swab. While previous methods required blood samples, the new noninvasive tool tracks DNA changes in cheek cells caused by lifestyle habits such as stress, poor sleep quality, smoking, alcohol use and an unhealthy diet. Such factors quicken aging through imprinting epigenetic marks in DNA, which CheekAge analyses to predict biological age of individuals.
CheekAge, which was designed in the US by scientists has been trained to recognise changes related methylation of more than 200000 DNA sites in cheek cells. It accurately predicts mortality risk based on data from 1,500 individuals born in the 1920s and 1930s. The tool also identifies specific genes related to aging and age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. This information could assist in the prevention of these health issues.
Lead researcher Dr Maxim Shokhirev said “The CheekAge is a useful aging biomarker that can be used for academic research, clinical trials and as a health tracking tool.
CheekAge has a real advantage over conventional blood-based epigenetic clocks in that it is non-invasive and can be used for pain-free collection of samples. This innovation could prove to be a useful tool for healthcare providers, as it may help them detect age-related risks at earlier stages and deliver personalized healthcare.
Though CheekAge is not yet FDA-approved, it holds promise for use in clinical research and health monitoring, offering a new way to assess aging and prevent age-related diseases before they occur. This innovative tool holds promise for revolutionizing how we approach aging and age-related health management.
