In this edition of the Healthspan Insider, Melbourne Functional Medicine’s Mark Payne highlights new research shaping longevity and health optimisation. Discover how neurotraining boosts ageing brains, high-dose nattokinase supports artery health, and hope strengthens resilience – plus emerging insights into vaginal microbiome diagnostics to guide your personal optimisation journey.
Longevity molecules: what they do and what’s available in Australia
Seeing longevity stacks online but not sure what’s relevant for you – or even available in Australia? This guide unpacks the most talked-about molecules, what they actually do, and how to know which ones your biology will respond to. A must-read before adding anything new to your stack.
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.
A brain-derived peptide that suppresses appetite without nausea
A newly identified brain-derived peptide, BRP, significantly reduces appetite and body weight in mice and pigs without causing nausea. This breakthrough uncovers a non-incretin pathway for appetite control, offering a promising, targeted approach for managing obesity and enhancing metabolic health.
Parental age influences inherited mutations
Parental age shapes how new genetic mutations are passed on, with fathers contributing more mutations overall, but older mothers showing unique patterns that cluster in specific genome regions, influencing long-term human genetic diversity and potentially affecting health across generations.
How a compact gene editor could transform brain health
A new compact epigenetic editor durably silences genes in the brain by recruiting the body’s own enzymes, offering a safer and more effective approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases.
The gut-longevity link: How your microbiome shapes your biological age
Your gut health plays a powerful role in how you age – affecting everything from immunity and energy to brain clarity and inflammation. Discover how microbiome testing and targeted gut support can enhance longevity, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
G4-DNA reveals a new molecular key to memory
Dynamic DNA structure controls memory formation by switching genes on and off. A specific DNA shape, G-quadruplex (G4-DNA), builds up in neurons during learning and regulates memory-related gene activity. Adjusting this structure alters memory formation, highlighting a new molecular mechanism underpinning brain plasticity and cognitive health.
Urolithin A reverses immune ageing by restoring stem cell health
Urolithin A supplementation revitalises ageing blood and immune systems by enhancing mitochondrial recycling in stem cells, restoring youthful blood cell production and boosting immune defence in older adults.
