Can a urine test really predict if I will die earlier, like the Japanese researchers' findings?

Yes, a new epigenetic urine test developed by Japanese researchers can estimate your biological age, which is linked to lifespan, though it's not an exact prediction of death.

What is an epigenetic urine aging clock developed by Craif?

An epigenetic urine aging clock is a test that uses microRNAs in urine to determine your biological age, indicating how old your cells are and potential health risks.

How accurate is the new urine test for biological age compared to DNA-methylation clocks?

The urine test is slightly less accurate than DNA-methylation clocks but outperforms blood-based miRNA and mRNA clocks, offering a promising non-invasive option.

Home / Health / Urine Test Predicts Early Death Risk

Urine Test Predicts Early Death Risk

18 Dec

•

Summary

New urine test estimates biological age by analyzing cell aging.
The test uses epigenetic markers in urine to predict lifespan.
Scientists developed this novel method for disease risk assessment.

Scientists in Japan have pioneered a new urine test capable of estimating an individual's biological age, a key indicator of potential lifespan. This epigenetic 'urine aging clock' analyzes specific microRNA molecules within a urine sample to gauge how old cells truly are, independent of a person's chronological age. Factors such as genetics, stress, and nutrition can influence this biological age.

The research, published in npj Aging, tracked over 6,300 cancer screening patients, analyzing their urine samples and daily habits. The developed models, distinct for men and women, demonstrated an average accuracy of within 4.4 years for predicting biological age. While slightly less precise than DNA-methylation clocks, this urine-based miRNA test outperforms blood-based alternatives, marking it as a significant advancement in non-invasive biomarkers for aging and disease risk.

This development arrives amid soaring interest in biological age determination, driven by longevity experts and wellness clinics offering similar tests. The ability to gain personalized aging insights is increasingly sought after, though current options can be costly. This novel urine test presents a more accessible and truly non-invasive approach to understanding individual health trajectories and potential longevity.