IN the NEWS - A Look at Death with a 117 year old

"Maria Branyas lives in a nursing home in northeastern Spain (Olot, Girona) and recently celebrated her 117th birthday with a cake and a small gathering.

“What do you expect from life?” Esteller asked the old woman. “Death,” she replied. (And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27)

“Death is like that old friend you know will drop by anytime.”

(Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14)

Esteller took blood, mouth and urine samples from Branyas. “We will study the genome, microbes, proteins and metabolism to uncover clues explaining high longevity, and investigate any genetic mutations,” he said. 

Even without conclusive results, the scientist already has some data: Branyas’ cells are roughly 10 years younger than their actual age. How is this possible? “Because she was dealt a great hand and has played her cards very well for 117 years,” said Esteller, who likens genetics to cards. They can be good or bad, but they must be played well to have a long life.

But the wear and tear of 117 years can be clearly seen with a microscope. “Her cells no longer have the tips of the chromosomes, which are like a protective hood. And she barely has any stem cells and immune system cells left.” (For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Romans 8:22)

El Pais

*Bible texts inserted by Dig Deeper, not by the newspaper.