A new molecular clock, based on gene activity patterns from thousands of individuals, can predict biological aging and time to death in humans, as well as in rodents and monkeys. The study, published in Nature on May 28, 2026, was led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the University of California, Los Angeles.
The clock analyzes RNA transcripts from blood samples to estimate biological age, which may differ from chronological age. In a cohort of over 10,000 human participants, the clock predicted all-cause mortality with an accuracy of about 80%, according to the study. The model was also validated in mice and rhesus macaques.
Lead author Dr. Xiuqin Zhang stated, 'This clock captures the molecular hallmarks of aging across species, offering a tool to test interventions that may slow aging.' The researchers note that the clock is not a deterministic predictor but a statistical measure of aging risk.
The clock's development involved machine learning on gene expression data from multiple tissues. It identified 150 key genes linked to aging processes, including inflammation and cellular repair. The team plans to make the clock available for research purposes.
