Way Aging Spreads Through Your Body Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
For the first time in the world, a Korean research team has discovered how aging in one part of the body can spread to another via the bloodstream.
The discovery offers new insights into how aging works and could lead to treatments that slow—or even reverse—age-related decline in the future.
In their study, professor Ok Hee Jeon and colleagues at Korea University studied on a protein called High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1.)
This protein is released by aging cells and is part of a group of molecules collectively called SASP—short for senescence-associated secretory phenotype.
These molecules are chemical signals that aged, or "senescent," cells use to communicate. They can influence nearby cells—and, in the case of one form of HMGB1, can cause neighboring healthy cells to begin aging as well.
A graphical abstract showing that blocking HMGB1 in mice can reduce this chain reaction and limit the spread of aging cells.'
A graphical abstract showing that blocking HMGB1 in mice can reduce this chain reaction and limit the spread of aging cells.'
Korea University Medicine
Aging Spreads Through the Bloodstream
Until now, it was believed that aging cells only affected their immediate surroundings.
However, the new study shows that aging signals can travel through the bloodstream and impact cells in completely different parts of the body. In other words, aging might spread like a ripple effect across tissues.
The research, published in the journal Metabolism – Clinical and Experimental, identified a special form of HMGB1 called reduced HMGB1 (ReHMGB1).
This form moves through the blood and can cause aging in distant tissues like muscles, kidneys, and skin.
Lab and Animal Testing Show Strong Results
The team tested their theory using both lab-grown cells and live mice. They found that ReHMGB1—but not its oxidized version—triggered aging in several types of human cells. Mice injected with ReHMGB1 showed increased aging markers and experienced muscle weakness.
To dig deeper, researchers studied mice with muscle injuries. When these mice were treated with antibodies that blocked HMGB1, they healed faster, showed fewer signs of aging, and regained strength more effectively.
"This study reveals that aging signals are not confined to individual cells but can be systemically transmitted via the blood," said Professor Jeon.
Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about aging? Let us know via health@newsweek.com.
Reference
Shin, J.-W., Jang, D.-H., Kim, S. Y., Lee, J.-J., Gil, T.-H., Shim, E., Kim, J. Y., Kim, H. S., Conboy, M. J., Conboy, I. M., Wiley, C. D., Shin, J.-S., & Jeon, O. H. (2025). Propagation of senescent phenotypes by extracellular HMGB1 is dependent on its redox state. Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental, 168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2025.156259
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
California Closes $12 Billion Budget Deficit With Hit to Migrants
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $321 billion budget on Friday that closes a $12 billion deficit by scaling back several progressive priorities, including a landmark health care expansion for undocumented immigrants. Newsweek reached out to the governor's office via email on Saturday for comment. Why It Matters The budget agreement between Newsom and Democratic leaders marks the third consecutive year the nation's most populous state has been forced to reduce funding for programs championed by Democratic leadership. The governor and legislative leaders framed the budget as a response to what they describe as economic challenges stemming from President Donald Trump's tariff policies, immigration crackdowns and rising costs tied to increased enrollment in Medi-Cal, California's state-funded healthcare program for low-income residents that was expanded last year to include undocumented adults as part of the state's universal healthcare goals. The cuts to immigrant health services represent a significant retreat from California's universal healthcare ambitions, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. With projected annual deficits of $17-24 billion in coming years and potential federal revenue losses of $16 billion, the state faces sustained financial pressure that could force deeper cuts to essential services. What To Know The budget addresses the deficit primarily through state savings withdrawals, borrowing from special funds, and payment delays rather than implementing new taxes on families or businesses. The most significant immigrant health program changes target Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Starting next year, the Golden State will halt new enrollments for undocumented adults in Medi-Cal, effectively capping the program's growth. Additionally, beginning July 2027, the state will implement a $30 monthly premium for immigrants currently enrolled in the program, including some with legal status, affecting adults under 60 years old. These changes represent a scaled-back version of Newsom's original proposal from May, which would have imposed deeper cuts to the landmark program that began just last year. The Medi-Cal modifications mark a retreat from California's ambitious universal healthcare expansion, which had made the state a national leader in providing comprehensive health coverage regardless of immigration status. The program cuts come despite California's role as home to the nation's largest immigrant population, with undocumented residents comprising a significant portion of essential workers in agriculture, construction, and hospitality sectors. Healthcare cuts extend beyond immigrant services, eliminating $78 million in mental health phone line funding that served 100,000 people annually and removing dental service funding for low-income residents in 2026. However, lawmakers successfully preserved funding for in-home care services, Planned Parenthood, and reproductive health programs. A Napolitan News/RMG Research poll released in May, conducted between February 10–12 among 800 registered California voters, found that 60 percent of Californians think illegal immigrants living in America should not be provided with taxpayer funded health care. The poll also found that 72 percent believe illegal immigration is harmful to the country. The poll had a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points. RMG Research is a Republican-leaning pollster. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference at Gemperle Orchard on April 16 in Ceres, California. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference at Gemperle Orchard on April 16 in Ceres, People Are Saying Governor Gavin Newsom in Friday's press release announcing the balanced budget: "As we confront Donald Trump's economic sabotage, this budget agreement proves California won't just hold the line — we'll go even further. It's balanced, it maintains substantial reserves, and it's focused on supporting Californians — slashing red tape and catapulting housing and infrastructure development, preserving essential healthcare services, funds universal pre-K, and cuts taxes for veterans." Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas in Friday's press release: "This is an incredibly difficult time for Californians. Trump is undermining our economy with reckless tariffs, harsh cuts, and ICE agents terrorizing our communities. At a moment when so many are already struggling, he's adding fear and instability. In contrast, Democrats have delivered a budget that protects California. It cuts red tape to build more housing faster — because housing is the foundation of affordability and opportunity." He added: "It preserves critical investments in health care, women's health, education, and public safety. And it honors our commitment not to raise taxes on families, workers, or small businesses. In unprecedented times, under painful circumstances, Democrats are delivering for Californians." Republican state Senator Tony Strickland told reporters prior to the vote on Friday: "We're increasing borrowing, we're taking away from the rainy day fund, and we're not reducing our spending." He added: "And this budget also does nothing about affordability in California." Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire in Friday's press release: "The State is delivering a responsible on-time budget in a challenging year focused on fiscal restraint and investing in the people and programs that make this State great. This budget prioritizes record funding for our kids and public schools, protects access to health care for millions of the most vulnerable, and will create more housing at a scale not seen in years." He added: "Thanks to this budget agreement, the state will help get more folks off the streets and into permanent shelter, and we'll expand the ranks of CalFire, deploying hundreds of additional full-time CalFire firefighters, which will save lives and make us all more wildfire safe. And this agreement helps prepare our state for the ongoing chaos and massive uncertainty caused by the Trump administration. Thank you to our Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener, Speaker Rivas and Governor Newsom and their staffs for their hard work for the people of California." Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, wrote on X in May: "Immigrants aren't making health care more expensive – Republicans are. Trans people aren't making health care more expensive – Republicans are. Poor people aren't making health care more expensive – Republicans are." What Happens Next The budget's implementation depends entirely on lawmakers passing housing legislation (AB 131 or SB 131) by Monday's deadline, or the entire spending plan becomes void. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Doctor Discusses Fishy Surgery That Saved Bald Eagle's Life
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thanks to an innovative surgery using fish skin grafts, Kere, a rescued bald eagle, returned to flight over Wisconsin on June 22 after surviving a life-threatening leg injury. Why It Matters Bald eagles, the national symbol of the United States, have faced near extinction in the past, with each rescue effort highlighting conservation progress and ongoing challenges. In Kere's case, the pioneering use of fish skin grafts to heal traumatic wounds in wildlife opens a potential new chapter in animal medical care. The bald eagle's release came days ahead of July Fourth celebrations, restoring an emblem of American freedom to the wild. What To Know Kere's 10-month recovery was led by Dr. Kim Ammann, a raptor specialist and founder at the Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital, a press release provided to Newsweek said. The treatment represented the first time a bald eagle received this type of skin graft that was provided by Icelandic firm Kerecis. Kere was discovered in Hayward, Wisconsin, in September 2024 with a 360-degree wound running from her knee to her ankle. The injury left no healthy skin for traditional treatments and infection threatened her survival. Ammann then stepped in to provide care. "With no traditional options left, she turned to innovative alternatives and discovered an Icelandic company called Kerecis that uses intact fish skin from sustainably sourced North Atlantic Cod to support tissue regeneration," the press release said. Kerecis, known for developing fish skin grafts for humans, had only recently begun offering veterinary products. Over 10 months, the cod skin grafts supported tissue regeneration and helped combat infection, which improved Kere's prospects. "The trust she put in me made it possible to accomplish what we did. She tolerated bandage changes every few days for months," Ammann said. Ammann, who treated over 200 birds in the past year, including 75 bald eagles, noted that Kere's case demonstrates the importance of innovative veterinary efforts. The successful use of fish skin grafts may open doors for wildlife rescue centers and veterinarians nationwide. Stock photo. A bald eagle flies over the Massapequa Preserve on March 25 in Massapequa, New York. Stock photo. A bald eagle flies over the Massapequa Preserve on March 25 in Massapequa, New York. Photo byWhat People Are Saying Dr. Kim Ammann, founder of Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital, said about Kere: "She left the wraps and dressings alone as they were healing her wound. She was eating well and taking necessary medications the whole time." Marta Hines, veterinary business development manager at Kerecis, said in the press release: "Our fish skin grafts are used in a variety of different wounds, whether those are traumatic wounds or some that have been out there for a while, and they have not closed in a while, like chronic wounds." What Happens Next The Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital continues to seek support for its conservation and rehabilitation activities. Kerecis, meanwhile, has indicated continued research and development of its veterinary products.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Nationwide Cocktail Recall Over Exploding Can Fears
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A popular ready-to-drink alcohol-free cocktail brand is being pulled from shelves nationwide amid fears that some cans could burst unexpectedly. The nationwide recall was initiated by Columbus, Ohio-based company Peak Cocktails. Newsweek has contacted Peak Cocktails for comment via email. Why It Matters This recall highlights growing safety concerns in the booming canned cocktail industry, where improper production or storage can lead to dangerous pressure buildup. Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can Getty Images What To Know The recall affects 16,128 units of Peak Cocktails Blood Orange Spritz 8.4 fl oz aluminum cans. The affected batches—codes B25127 and B25128—were packaged on May 7 and May 8, 2025, and sold both individually and in variety packs of 12, 24, and 48 cans. According to the recall notice, the recall was initiated over fears that the aluminum cans could explode due to dangerous overpressurization. The overpressurization issue can cause cans to burst, posing a potential safety risk to consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. No injuries have been reported so far, but consumers are urged to handle any affected cans with care and to dispose of them safely. The recalled product, identified by UPC 860013380571, was distributed nationwide across 50 states and Washington, D.C., including major markets such as California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Peak Cocktails notified its distributors and customers via email when it initiated the recall on June 3. Peak Cocktails has not specified the exact reason for the overpressurization, but overpressurization in canned beverages like cocktails, beer, or sodas usually happens when excess gas builds up inside the sealed container, causing it to swell or even burst. One of the most common causes is unintended fermentation. If any yeast or bacteria remain in the drink after packaging, they can ferment leftover sugars, producing carbon dioxide that increases internal pressure. This risk can be heightened if sterilization or pasteurization processes aren't thorough. Temperature swings are another factor. High storage temperatures can expand liquids and gases inside the can, pushing the container beyond its designed pressure limit. Additionally, packaging defects such as weak seams or improper sealing can allow contamination or gas leaks that lead to uneven pressure. In rarer cases, certain acidic drinks may react chemically with the metal lining of the can, releasing more gas. What Happens Next Consumers are advised not to open or consume any cans from the affected batches. Instead, they should safely dispose of the products in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental rupture, such as placing them in a sealed bag and gently discarding them. Customers seeking a refund or more information should contact Peak Cocktails directly.
