Yeast is already a familiar ingredient to bakers and winemakers, but new research from the University of Georgia suggests it can also trace the footsteps of our ancestors.

A new study led by Prof. Haim Cohen at Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with Dr. Sagi Snir and PhD student Sarit Feldman-Trabelsi, explores why some mammals live much longer and healthier lives than others. Using a novel computational tool called PHARAOH, the team analyzed protein modifications across 107 mammalian species and identified posttranslational modifications (PTMs) linked to longevity. These PTMs, which regulate crucial cellular functions, were consistently enriched in long-lived species and shown to play protective roles against age-related diseases like cancer. The findings offer promising insights into natural, evolution-driven mechanisms that support healthy aging and could inspire new therapies to extend human healthspan.

A study published in Aging Cell has identified immune resilience as a key driver of salutogenesis—the active process of promoting health and well-being.