Tally Health, a biotechnology company based in Manhattan, has developed a non-invasive aging clock called CheekAge that predicts biological age using cheek cell samples.

This innovative test, which requires only a quick swab from the mouth, aims to predict a person's lifespan without the need for blood tests.

The research utilized data from the Lothian Birth Cohorts program, analyzing health and lifestyle factors of 1,513 individuals born between 1921 and 1936.

Data on mortality was collected from the Scottish National Health Service Central Register, validating CheekAge's predictive capability.

Findings revealed that participants with the highest CheekAge scores were 148% more likely to die within a year compared to those with the lowest scores.

Each standard deviation increase in CheekAge correlates with a 21% increase in the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality, indicating a strong connection to mortality in older adults.

The test analyzes DNA changes to provide insights into an individual's mortality risk, potentially aiding in medical decisions.

The study identified specific DNA methylation sites linked to mortality, including genes like PDZRN4 and ALPK2, which may play roles in preventing tumors and are associated with cancer and cardiovascular health.

Biological age can differ from chronological age based on various factors, including genetics, stress, sleep, nutrition, and smoking.

Experts believe they are closer to developing a reliable test that can estimate the risk of dying within a year using a simple cheek swab.

The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, highlighting the potential of CheekAge as a non-invasive test for aging research.

CheekAge focuses on epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation, which reflects how environmental factors influence gene function over time.