When people meet supercentenarians, those rare individuals who surpass 110 years-they often ask the same question: What’s the secret to such a long life? Now, science is beginning to uncover answers hidden in their DNA.

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine has shed light on the remarkable genetic blueprint of Maria Branyas Morera, a US-born Spanish woman who passed away in August 2024 at the age of 117 years and 168 days. At the time, she was the world’s oldest living person.

Unlocking the genetics of a supercentenarian

Researchers led by Dr. Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona collected samples of Branyas’ blood, saliva, urine, and stool. They then compared her genetic profile with 75 other Iberian women.

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