Scientists in Japan have unveiled a groundbreaking new test that could reveal whether you are aging faster than your peers, using nothing more than a urine sample. The non-invasive 'urine aging clock' analyses cellular age, offering a potential window into an individual's long-term health and mortality risk.
How the Urine Aging Clock Works
Researchers from the biotechnology startup Craif in Nagoya developed this epigenetic test by analysing tiny molecules of genetic material called miRNAs found in urine. Unlike a standard calendar, biological age reflects the wear and tear on your cells, influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, stress, and genetics. The team tracked over 6,300 patients undergoing cancer screenings, collecting their urine samples and data on habits such as smoking and alcohol intake.
By sequencing the miRNA data and applying sophisticated algorithms, they created separate predictive models for men and women to enhance accuracy. The study, published in the journal npj Aging, found the clock could predict a person's biological age with an average margin of error of just 4.4 years.
Accuracy and Implications for Disease Risk
The urine-based test was found to be slightly less precise than established DNA-methylation clocks, which use specific DNA patterns. However, the researchers noted it 'outperformed blood-based miRNA and mRNA clocks'. This positions urine miRNA analysis as a promising, truly non-invasive biomarker for assessing biological age and associated disease risks.
Notably, the research highlighted that certain miRNAs, including miR-155-5p and miR-34a-5p, are linked to cancer development when overexpressed. The ability to detect these markers non-invasively could open new avenues for early health interventions.
The Growing Market for Longevity Insights
Interest in determining biological age has surged, driven by the wellness industry and longevity experts. Patients are increasingly drawn to these tests for personalised health insights, despite costs typically exceeding £200 per test. Many private wellness clinics now offer them routinely.
This innovation arrives as global life expectancy is projected to rise. Recent research suggests that by 2050, the average man could live to 76 and the average woman past 80. The secrets of the world's oldest people, like Britain's own Ethel Caterham from Surrey, who lived to 116, often point to lifestyle factors. Experts studying centenarians emphasise the importance of physical activity, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose—hallmarks of so-called 'Blue Zones'.
The new urine test represents a significant step towards accessible, personalised health forecasting, potentially allowing individuals to understand and modify their aging trajectory long before serious illness manifests.
