Israeli scientists develop fast, low-cost method to measure biological age

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have unveiled a new method for accurately determining a person’s biological age without the need for full genome analysis. The findings were published this week in the journal Cell Reports.

The method, called MAgeNet, focuses on just two small regions of DNA where methylation “markers” accumulate—a process that attaches chemical groups to DNA, regulating gene activity without altering the underlying genetic code. As people age, these methylation patterns evolve in predictable ways, effectively revealing how “worn out” the body is.

To interpret these molecular signatures, the research team employed artificial intelligence, training neural networks to read the changes associated with aging.

“This is not just an epigenetic clock, but a complex mechanism in which random factors combine with clear patterns,” said Professor Yuval Dor, lead researcher of the study. The method achieved a minimal margin of error—1.36 years—when estimating the biological age of individuals under 50.

The researchers also discovered that the aging process is recorded in DNA in bursts, suggesting that cells periodically check their internal clocks.

MAgeNet could have wide-ranging implications for healthcare. By providing a more accurate picture of a patient’s biological age, the technique may help doctors identify risks for conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. In gerontology, the approach could offer new insights into how lifestyle choices, diet, or medications impact cellular aging.

Another key advantage of MAgeNet is cost. Because it analyzes only two regions of DNA, it is far cheaper than traditional whole-genome sequencing.

However, researchers caution that so far, the method has only been tested on healthy volunteers. Further studies are needed to confirm its accuracy in patients with serious illnesses, whose methylation patterns may differ significantly.

Professor Dor added, “Our goal is to provide a practical, accessible tool for monitoring biological age and understanding the factors that accelerate or slow down aging. We hope this can eventually guide personalized health interventions around the world.”

By Sabina Mammadli