Using DNA methylation profiles ( n = 15,456) from 348 mammalian species, we constructed phyloepigenetic trees that bear marked similarities to traditional phylogenetic ones. Using unsupervised clustering across all samples, we identified 55 distinct cytosine modules, of which 30 are related to traits such as maximum life span, adult weight, age, sex, and human mortality risk. Maximum life span is associated with methylation levels in HOXL subclass homeobox genes and developmental processes and is potentially regulated by pluripotency transcription factors. The methylation state of some modules responds to perturbations such as caloric restriction, ablation of growth hormone receptors, consumption of high-fat diets, and expression of Yamanaka factors. This study reveals an intertwined evolution of the genome and epigenome that mediates the biological characteristics and traits of different mammalian species.

Young blood plasma is known to confer beneficial effects on various organs in mice. However, it was not known whether young plasma rejuvenates cells and tissues at the epigenetic level; whether it alters the epigenetic clock, which is a highly-accurate molecular biomarker of aging. To address this question, we developed and validated six different epigenetic clocks for rat tissues that are based on DNA methylation values derived from n=593 tissue samples. As indicated by their respective names, the rat pan-tissue clock can be applied to DNA methylation profiles from all rat tissues, while the rat brain-, liver-, and blood clocks apply to the corresponding tissue types. We also developed two epigenetic clocks that apply to both human and rat tissues by adding n=850 human tissue samples to the training data. We employed these six clocks to investigate the rejuvenation effects of a plasma fraction treatment in different rat tissues. The treatment more than halved the epigenetic ages of blood, heart, and liver tissue. A less pronounced, but statistically significant, rejuvenation effect could be observed in the hypothalamus. The treatment was accompanied by progressive improvement in the function of these organs as ascertained through numerous biochemical/physiological biomarkers and behavioral responses to assess cognitive functions. Cellular senescence, which is not associated with epigenetic aging, was also considerably reduced in vital organs. Overall, this study demonstrates that a plasma-derived treatment markedly reverses aging according to epigenetic clocks and benchmark biomarkers of aging.

Seaweed is a resilient macrophytic plant thriving in intertidal zones. These are rapidly gaining attention due to their autotrophic nourishment, rapid growth, and minimal land requirement for cultivation. Seaweed is used in various food and non-food sectors, thus possessing immense potential as a valuable bioresource with high commercial value. However, utilizing seaweed as a bioresource comes with various challenges at processing levels, particularly at cost-effective downstream processing. Hence, this review highlights the advancement in seaweed biomass processing together with its application in food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and non-food sectors. Additionally, the advancements in seaweed cultivation and the applications of seaweed in agriculture as a biostimulant, biofuel production, and packaging material are also reviewed. Finally, this review addresses the need for technology intensification, public awareness, and financial investment to enhance the commercialization and integration of seaweed-based products into the bioeconomy. The potential of seaweed to contribute to climate change mitigation and the circular economy is underscored, calling for further research and development to optimize its multifaceted applications.