Social versus genetic factors in aging

+ endocannabinoids and THC; understanding blood pressure US Edition - Today's top story: Epigenetic and social factors both predict aging and health – but new research suggests one might be stronger [View in browser]( US Edition | 22 February 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( In a country with an aging population, it’s important to better understand the factors affecting health later in life. And on a personal level, many people would want some insight into how they will age in the future. Two social scientists from the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California explain the results of their study looking at two critical influences on how people age: epigenetics, or how one’s environment and behaviors such as smoking affect our genes; and nongenetic, social factors. The authors provide a good framework for [understanding aging from a medical perspective]( and conclude that “demographics, socioeconomic status, mental health and health behaviors remain equally, if not more robust, predictors of health” than genetic changes. A popular story in last week’s newsletter examined [the research on the medical benefits of the CBD](, which is derived from cannabis. This week our health desk explores endocannabinoids, molecules produced naturally by the body that are very similar to THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis sativa. University of South Carolina researchers Prakash and Mitzi Nagarkatti explain the [critical role the endocannabinoid system plays]( in regulating many bodily functions and discuss the health problems linked to low levels of endocannabinoids. Although more research is needed, the authors write that understanding the role of endocannabinoids in the body can provide insight into medical uses of marijuana. This week we have been rolling out a series of stories marking the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As Air Force special operations pilot Laura Jones, who is now a doctoral student at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, writes, “Ukraine is a window into future warfare.” Her article breaks down how Ukraine has used [sophisticated military technology as well as modified off-the-shelf products very effectively](. In a separate piece, human rights researcher James Dawes writes about how the ongoing conflict is increasing pressure on countries to deploy “fully autonomous weapons – [robots that can choose, hunt down and attack their targets all on their own, without needing any human supervision](.” Also in this week’s science news: - [Health effects of vinyl chloride, chemical spilled in Ohio train derailment]( - [How the syndrome affecting Bruce Willis changes the brain]( - [Did viruses evolve on Earth before cellular life?]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Martin La Monica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters Epigenetics is but one of many factors that influence aging, health and disease. bestdesigns/iStock via Getty Images [Epigenetic and social factors both predict aging and health – but new research suggests one might be stronger]( Eileen Crimmins, University of Southern California; Jessica Faul, University of Michigan People don’t all age at the same rate. Untangling the factors that influence health and disease – such as epigenetics, demographics and behavior – could lead to better care for those who need it most. A healthy endocannabinoid system is critical to the human body’s immune functions. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Digital Vision via Getty Images [People produce endocannabinoids – similar to compounds found in marijuana – that are critical to many bodily functions]( Prakash Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina; Mitzi Nagarkatti, University of South Carolina A THC-like substance that occurs naturally in humans and other vertebrates helps maintain immunity, memory, nerve function and more – and research suggests a lack of it can harm health. In war, it’s not the size or sophistication of the technology, but how it’s used – especially in combinations. Elena Tita/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images [Lesson from a year at war: In contrast to the Russians, Ukrainians master a mix of high- and low-end technology on the battlefield]( Laura Jones, Tufts University A year ago, the Ukrainian military was largely equipped with Soviet-era weapons. It has since seen an influx of high-tech weapons. But it’s less what than how that’s made a difference. [Many Americans wrongly assume they understand what normal blood pressure is – and that false confidence can be deadly]( Wändi Bruine de Bruin, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Mark Huffman, Washington University in St Louis Nearly half of all Americans ages 20 and up have high blood pressure. Yet research shows that most people in the US don’t know the cutoff numbers for healthy blood pressure. [Russia’s aggression threatens efforts to protect nature beyond Ukraine]( Eduardo Gallo-Cajiao, University of Washington; Duan Biggs, Northern Arizona University; Nives Dolsak, University of Washington; Paul G. Harris, The Education University of Hong Kong Russia has vast natural resources and is involved in many conservation efforts. Its diplomatic isolation as a result of the war in Ukraine is making it harder to protect many wild species and places. [Turning 50? Here are 4 things you can do to improve your health and well-being]( Jay Maddock, Texas A&M University Middle age means staying a step ahead on both the medical and financial fronts. [How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the long-term risks]( Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University The slow release of information about the chemical spill and results of air and water tests have left many questions about the risks and long-term impact. [War in Ukraine accelerates global drive toward killer robots]( James Dawes, Macalester College The technology exists to build autonomous weapons. How well they would work and whether they could be adequately controlled are unknown. The Ukraine war has only turned up the pressure. [What is a UFO? The US shot down three mysterious objects as interest and concern increase over unidentified craft]( Wendy Whitman Cobb, Air University There are thousands of sightings of UFOs – or ‘unidentified aerial phenomena’ as the US government prefers to call them – every year. - [Were viruses around on Earth before living cells emerged? A microbiologist explains]( Kenneth Noll, University of Connecticut Fossil evidence of how the earliest life on Earth came to be is hard to come by. But scientists have come up with a few theories based on the microbes, viruses and prions existing today. - [Faster-than-reflexes robo-boots boost balance]( Lena Ting, Emory University; Gregory S. Sawicki, Georgia Institute of Technology; Max Shepherd, Northeastern University; Owen Beck, The University of Texas at Austin If you want to use an exoskeleton to improve balance, a study finds that superhuman reflexes can help you stay upright. - [How vinyl chloride, the chemical in the Ohio train derailment and used to make PVC plastics, can damage your liver]( Juliane I. Beier, University of Pittsburgh Vinyl chloride dilutes fairly quickly in outside air and water. One concern for lingering exposure from the derailment involves private wells. - [How frontotemporal dementia, the syndrome affecting Bruce Willis, changes the brain – research is untangling its genetic causes]( Fen-Biao Gao, UMass Chan Medical School FTD leads to changes in personality and behavior. Understanding its genetic and molecular causes could lead to new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases. - Like this newsletter? 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