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Study Reveals Why Larger Dogs Age Faster
Confirmed
In Short: Arizona State University researchers have uncovered why larger dogs age faster than smaller breeds, according to a study published in the journal Science.
The study, which analyzed data from 864 dogs, revealed that the aging process in dogs is linked to changes in DNA methylation, a mechanism that influences gene expression.
Specifically, the research identified a class of 'jumping genes' called LINE1s that are more active in larger breeds, leading to faster aging.
Co-author Blaise Mariner noted that this finding provides a clear molecular signature for the well-known size-lifespan trade-off in dogs.
The study found that larger breeds lose about 35 percent more LINE1 methylation annually compared to smaller breeds, indicating a faster rate of molecular changes associated with aging.
Scientists have long known that larger mammals generally have longer life expectancies, ranging from just a few years for mice to nearly 200 years for some whale species.
However, this study challenges that trend by showing that larger dogs age faster and die younger.
The research also highlights the importance of DNA methylation in the aging process, as its decline is more pronounced in larger breeds.
The study's findings could lead to new insights into aging and potential interventions to slow down the aging process in dogs.
Report us Among mammals, larger species generally have longer life expectancies, ranging from just a few years for mice to nearly 200 years for some whale species.
What's confirmed
- “This is one of the clearest molecular signatures we’ve seen that aligns with the well-known size-lifespan trade-off in dogs,” said co-author Blaise Mariner.
- A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into a raisin under the sun.
- Surprising new NASA-funded research suggests that Mercury is contracting even today, joining Earth as a tectonically active planet.NASA/JHUAPL/Carnegie Institution of Washington/USGS/Arizona State Univ Yes, our solar system sibling is getting smaller, and faster than scientists originally predicted.
What's still developing
- The authors used data from 864 dogs collected in the Dog Aging Project to map patterns of DNA methylation (which influences how much certain genes are turned on or off) across the entire genome.
- Their analysis showed that aging in dogs is linked to the decrease in the regulation provided by DNA methylation, particularly in regions where there are “jumping genes” that can move from chromosome to chromosome.
- Scientists may have now found an important piece of the puzzle hidden in the dogs’ DNA.
- Scientists may have discovered Updates Red Mail 24° Tel Aviv-Jaffa Search Main Israel News Mideast & World News Tech & Digital Real Estate Finance Lifestyle Health & Science Jewish World Travel More Channels Opinions Magazine Sports Food Weather Podcasts Sites & Sources Ynet Calcalist yad2 ynetespanol Вести mynet Contact Contact us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Accessibility Statement Environment Big dogs age faster, die younger than smaller breeds.
- But new evidence from a team at the German Aerospace Center's (DLR) Institute of Space Research suggests Mercury has been shrinking faster than previously thought.
- According to the team's study, which appeared in the Geophysical Research Letters, Mercury's surface has been shrinking 10% to 30% (up to 23 km or 14.5 mi) faster than previously thought.
- But as Nishiyama explained in an AGU news article, these new findings suggest it could be larger and more complex: More shrinking means Mercury could have a larger metal core, less light elements like silicon mixed into the metal core, or a higher starting temperature. [A difference of] 30% is a little bit surprising, but the corrected amount of contraction actually makes sense to me.
- “Overshoot is not surrender. Overshoot should really lead to a much greater degree of urgency,” Mr Hart says, calling for faster emissions cuts and greater investment in protecting vulnerable communities.
- As clean energy technologies advance faster than ever, the challenge facing countries at COP31 is no longer just finding solutions – but making sure everyone can afford them.
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