Many of us dream of living longer, healthier lives — and science continues to search for the key to longevity. Now, the DNA of one extraordinary woman may have brought researchers a step closer to understanding how humans can live well beyond 100.
A life that spanned a century
Maria Branyas Morera, born in San Francisco in 1907, lived an astonishing 117 years before passing away in 2024. Her life stretched across two world wars, 21 U.S. presidents, and a century of change — from horse-drawn carriages to smartphones. When her family moved to Catalonia, Spain, in 1915, tragedy struck: her father died of tuberculosis during the voyage. Yet Maria persevered, eventually raising her own family in Spain, where she would live out her long and remarkable life.
Before her passing, Maria made a request that would fascinate the scientific world — she asked doctors to study her DNA. Her hope was simple but profound: that by understanding her body’s resilience, others might one day benefit from the secrets locked within her genes.
Unlocking the DNA of longevity
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute took on the project. They analyzed Maria’s tissues and genetic markers, comparing her biological age to her chronological one. What they found stunned them.
According to Dr. Manel Esteller, the lead scientist, “The common rule is that as we age, we become sicker. But Maria was the exception. For the first time, we’ve been able to separate being old from being sick.”
Maria’s biological age appeared to be 10 to 15 years younger than her actual one. Her cholesterol levels were nearly perfect — extremely low in “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but high in protective HDL cholesterol. Her genes also showed signs of strong anti-inflammatory responses, allowing her body to fight off diseases that commonly affect the elderly.
Even more surprising was her love of yogurt. Maria ate probiotic yogurt daily — specifically, a Catalonian brand called La Fageda. Scientists now believe this may have played a small but meaningful role in her longevity. The probiotics supported her gut microbiome, reduced inflammation, and strengthened her immune system — all factors linked to slower aging.
Her diet was simple and consistent: yogurt in the morning, cereal smoothies, fresh fruit, and moderate meals. She avoided smoking, drank little alcohol, and maintained close ties with her family. “Order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets,” she once wrote on social media. “Lots of positivity — and stay away from toxic people.”
The science of her cells
The research also focused on Maria’s telomeres — the protective ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. While short telomeres are usually associated with higher mortality, Maria’s case challenged that idea. Her telomeres were unusually short but appeared stable, possibly limiting cancer cell growth and suggesting that longevity may not depend solely on telomere length but also on cellular balance and repair.
Dr. Esteller believes Maria’s DNA offers new clues about how the body can stay strong even in extreme old age. “We can’t choose our parents,” he said, “but we can choose how we live — and we can study people like Maria to find ways to reproduce the effects of their good genes.”
More than just good genes
Maria’s extraordinary life wasn’t just about biology — it was about spirit. In 2020, at 113 years old, she became the world’s oldest person to recover from COVID-19. Her optimism and humor were legendary. Her Twitter bio read: “Very old but not an idiot.”
When asked for her secret, she didn’t mention genetics or science — she mentioned peace, kindness, and connection. “Respect yourself and others,” she said. “Appreciate the small things. That’s how life becomes long and beautiful.”
Maria Branyas Morera’s story reminds us that longevity is not only written in DNA, but also shaped by how we live, love, and care for ourselves. And perhaps, as scientists continue to unlock the mysteries of her genes — and her morning yogurt — we may all learn how to make our years not just longer, but richer.
