In this edition of the Healthspan Insider, Melbourne Functional Medicine’s Mark Payne reviews new research shaping longevity and health optimisation. Discover how gut-brain signalling shapes memory decline, effort rewires dopamine-driven motivation, sleep loss disrupts brain reset cycles, and emerging lipid signals target senescent cells – to guide your personal optimisation journey.
Plastics interact with Alzheimer’s genes, exosomes reflect age, diet and immune tools protect brain
In this edition of the Healthspan Insider, Melbourne Functional Medicine’s Mark Payne reviews new research shaping the future of longevity and optimisation. Discover how diet, immune signalling, microplastics, and digital biomarkers influence brain health, ageing, and performance – and how to apply these findings to your own optimisation journey.
Higher intensity beats Zone 2, gut microbes shape ageing, Lp(a) needs targeted care
In this edition of the Healthspan Insider Research Roundup: higher-intensity exercise may deliver greater gains than Zone 2 alone, gut microbes like Streptococcus and Akkermansia are shaping ageing, and most cholesterol drugs still don’t lower Lp(a). Plus breakthroughs in skin repair, organ replacement, gene editing, and psilocybin.
Could Akkermansia muciniphila extend your healthspan
Genetic evidence links specific gut bacteria, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, to traits of healthy ageing. This microbe may enhance lifespan and physical function by influencing inflammation and metabolism, suggesting gut microbiota as a potential target for promoting longevity and delaying age-related decline.
Oral microbiome testing: What’s really living in your mouth
The oral microbiome plays a powerful role in inflammation, immunity, brain health, and longevity – often silently. With advanced testing now available, you can uncover imbalances and target hidden drivers of systemic issues, performance limits, or disease risk.
Linking gut diversity and nutrient loss in Parkinson’s
Changes in gut bacteria in Parkinson’s disease are associated with lower production of key nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds, suggesting gut-targeted strategies may help support brain health and slow disease progression.
Gene therapy extends lifespan without cancer risk
Genetic activation of telomerase in mice significantly extended lifespan and improved healing of skin and intestinal injuries, without increasing cancer risk. This targeted intervention boosted cellular repair, antioxidant defences, and telomere length, offering a promising strategy for enhancing longevity and resilience to age-related decline.
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) exposure damages DNA and accelerates ageing
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a common plasticiser, disrupts reproductive health by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. Exposure impairs chromosome stability and gene expression, potentially affecting fertility and ageing. Findings highlight concerns about environmental toxins’ impact on longevity and underscore the need for minimising exposure.
Unique gut mycobiome traits in long-lived individuals
Long-lived individuals exhibit unique gut fungal features, including enriched Candida enterotypes and maintained core taxa like Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungal patterns, closely linked with beneficial bacterial traits, suggest a role in healthy ageing and longevity through gut microbiome balance and resilience.
Understanding PFAS and their impact on longevity and ageing
Regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever chemicals’, are tightening due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks. Found in consumer products and water sources, stricter guidelines aim to reduce exposure and safeguard public health.
