Tuesday 4th June – by Aaruthy Suthahar

In a report published this week in Clinical Medicine, researchers from the Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE) show that contrary to that suggested in Chris Whitty’s latest annual Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report for England, most older adults live in urban areas rather than rural areas. Adding in self-reported health as a measure of need for services, a more complex picture of ageing demographics emerged, suggesting a need for a nuanced understanding when planning healthcare services and resource allocation.

According to Nathan Cheetham, Senior Postdoctoral Data Scientist: 

“Chris Whitty’s latest report as Chief Medical Officer highlights the importance of understanding the geography of ageing in England. However, it’s crucial to consider both absolute and relative population metrics for a comprehensive view.” 

Census 2021 data indicates that approximately three-quarters of older adults in England and Wales, equivalent to 8.4 million individuals, live in urban regions. This challenges the emphasis placed on rural and coastal areas in the CMO report. 

Professor Claire J. Steves, specialising in Ageing and Health, emphasises: 

“We need to move beyond simplistic rural-urban dichotomies when planning healthcare services. The absolute numbers and health needs of older adults in urban areas demand attention. This is particularly important as we experience more climate change-related heat waves which mostly affect urban hotspots. Older people living in such places also tend to be more vulnerable.”   

“This is particularly important as we experience more climate change-related heat waves which mostly affect urban hotspots.  Older people living in such places are the most vulnerable group.”

Projected population growth further complicates assumptions about urban-rural dynamics. Rather than shrinking, urban areas are projected to experience significant growth in older populations over the next two decades, with a projected increase of 43% compared to 48% in rural areas by 2043. 

Disparities in health outcomes underscore the need for subtle policy responses, urban-dwelling older adults are not only more numerous but also more likely to reside in deprived neighbourhoods and report poorer health compared to their rural counterparts.

Investing in preventive measures and understanding the diverse needs of older adults across different geographical areas is imperative for ensuring equitable healthcare provision.   

As policymakers navigate the evolving landscape of ageing demographics, a comprehensive approach considering both absolute numbers and health indicators is vital for effectively addressing the healthcare needs of older adults in England. 

25th March 2024 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women globally. At TwinsUK, this year’s IWD was marked with heartfelt stories and reflections from both twins and staff members, showcasing the resilience, strength, and camaraderie that defines the twin community and the workplace culture at TwinsUK.

Twin Stories

Sue, reflected on her late twin sister Jill’s impactful work:

IWD meant nothing to me, but it did to my twin, best known as Jill Saward. Before her death in 2017, she worked tirelessly for women who’d been subjected to Rape or sexual abuse, and victims/survivors of domestic abuse. As identical twins it sometimes made life difficult. People felt through her work they knew me, but also total strangers would ask me how she was. Her impact really hit me after her death. Her friends and campaigners became my friends too – all women.

Francina and Vanessa, facing the daunting challenge of breast cancer, found strength in their twin connection.

We are facing one of our biggest challenges this international women’s day year as identical female twins with one of us being diagnosed with breast cancer. Having a mastectomy and facing chemotherapy all I could think about was how different I would look to my twin. We even joked about Vanessa wearing a head scarf when we go out as we love the “ are you twin” comments . We are both clinicians and Christian’s giving us resilience and the ability to face challenges head on. Vanessa has been a constant support and we are celebrating that the genetic test came back negative , reducing my twins risk of having breast cancer. I feel safe knowing my twin is there and am so grateful for my older sister as well. My prognosis is good so looking forward to beating my cancer and getting back to “double trouble“ outings with my twin.

Laura and Jill celebrated not only their twinship but also the joy of raising twin girls themselves:

In honour of International Women’s Day I’m celebrating my amazing identical twin sister Jill who herself has identical twin girls, Aurora ‘Rory’ and Clara – they recently turned 18 months old! They are the coolest and funniest girls on the planet and I watch them with absolute fascination. It is mine and my twin’s duty to set the best example to them of how lucky it is to be a twin and to celebrate it! In the photo, completely unplanned, we are all coordinating tops and bottoms (as are the front doors in the houses behind us).

Margaret and Barbara honored their mother’s legacy, recognising the sacrifices she made in raising them as twins.

I would like to celebrate mothers of twins! Our mother never grew tired of telling the story of how she had the surprise of her life when she was told there’s another baby after I was born. It can’t have been easy bringing up twins in the 1960’s and we only really appreciated this when my son and his fiance became the parents of twins in 2022! Watching them cope with tiny twins night and day has raised so many questions about our own early years. Sadly, we are not able to ask our mum about it as she passed in 2020. The photo attached was taken on her last Mother’s Day, during lockdown when we could not bear to leave her alone all day. Barbara and I will be forever grateful for everything she did for us.

Thoughts from TwinsUK staff

Aaruthy, Communications and Engagement Officer:

Working in the field of science research not only as a woman but also a woman of colour comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities due to lingering stereotypes and biases globally. Yet, at TwinsUK, as someone who is a woman of colour, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a workplace where diversity and inclusion is embraced. Most of the staff in our department are women from all different backgrounds and each with their own talents and perspectives. I am truly inspired by the women I work with as we collaborate, support each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. I remain hopeful for a future where every woman, regardless of background, can thrive and succeed in the scientific research community.

Bridget, Senior Research Nurse at TwinsUK:

I’ve dedicated the majority of my nursing career to the fields of hematology, oncology, and palliative care, where I’ve been surrounded by compassionate and incredible women. Nursing is undeniably women-centric. My journey led me to TwinsUK, where I gained a glimpse into the world of science, and I’ve cherished every minute of it. Being surrounded by so many intelligent and supportive women from diverse backgrounds has been truly inspiring. Our department is led by fantastic women who wear multiple hats – they’re researchers, clinicians, leaders, and mothers all rolled into one. While there’s still some lingering gender bias in the scientific realm, I remain optimistic that we are making strides in the right direction, one step at a time.

Ayrun, Clinical Operations Manager at TwinsUK:

After my studies, I went from a laboratory assistant to the role of clinical operations manager within my department. Along this journey, I also welcomed two babies, which naturally brought challenges of balancing work with raising young children. However, being part of an inclusive and supportive department where you are made to feel secure makes navigating these challenges easier. What does International Women’s Day mean to me? It means celebrating women’s achievements and contributions- you only need to look at the remarkable women within our department! Equally, it reminds us to recognise the ongoing challenges women still face globally. It is also a day to promote solidarity, to empower, inspire, and uplift women of future generations.

Gulsah, Resource Admin Manager at TwinsUK:

Through my studies of Social sciences from secondary to University years, I was always made hyper-aware of the gender gaps that were statistical facts within our society but admit I had internalised these on some level. As a young, second-generation immigrant female, I did not have the confidence to break these barriers – which was until I started working for the Department of Twin Research. Being surrounded by incredibly successful women from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life changed my perspective entirely which ignited a new level of ambition in me. As the new Resource Admin Manager, and also a recent first-time mother, I am inspired daily by my remarkable colleagues (both professionally and personally) and couldn’t be prouder to be a woman in science celebrating International Women’s Day here at TwinsUK.

As we reflect on the stories shared by twins and TwinsUK staff, one thing becomes clear: the essence of International Women’s Day extends beyond a single day of celebration. It’s about honouring the past, celebrating the present, and advocating for a future where every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive. Whether it’s through sisterhood, solidarity, or mentorship, the spirit of IWD lives on in the collective efforts of women everywhere. At TwinsUK, it’s a spirit that continues to inspire and empower each and every day.

29th February 2024 – By Aaruthy Suthahar

Researcher’s from TwinsUK conducted a study on twins aged 60 and above has shed light on the intriguing connection between gut health and cognitive function.   

As populations age globally, the prevalence of age-related conditions such as muscle loss and cognitive decline is on the rise. Recognising the importance of addressing these issues, researchers at TwinsUK investigated how targeting the gut microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms residing in our intestines, using a cheap, commercially available prebiotic supplement, could impact both muscle health and cognitive abilities as we age.

In a meticulously designed trial involving 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a prebiotic supplement daily for 12 weeks. Alongside this, all participants engaged in resistance exercises and received a protein supplement, aimed at improving muscle function.

Using innovative remote methods including video visits, online questionnaires, and cognitive testing, researchers tracked the participants’ progress throughout the trial. Notably, the prebiotic supplement led to significant changes in the participants’ gut microbiome composition, particularly an increase in the numbers of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium.

The study found no significant difference in muscle strength between the group receiving the prebiotic and those taking the placebo. However, participants who received the prebiotic demonstrated improved cognitive function compared to those getting placebo. This finding demonstrates a link between gut microbiome health and brain function in older adults.

First author Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn said:

“Our results demonstrate that inexpensive and easily accessible interventions targeting the gut microbiome can improve cognition in older adults, halving the number of errors on a memory test. This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our ageing population.”

Senior author Professor Claire Steves, Professor of Ageing and Health said: 

“The importance of this research is that these plant fibres are cheap and already over-the counter and therefore could benefit a wider group of people in these cash-strapped times. They are safe and generally well-tolerated.  Our next task is to see whether these effects are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people.” 

The study’s remote design proved successful, demonstrating the feasibility of conducting trials in older adults without the need for extensive travel or hospital visits. Challenges such as digital literacy and access to the necessary technology were acknowledged and will be addressed in future research.

While the study focused on older adults, its implications extend to broader research aimed at understanding the intricate relationship between gut health, physical function, and cognitive abilities across different age groups. As the population continues to age globally, unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer novel strategies for promoting healthy ageing and combating age-related cognitive decline.

The findings of this study pave the way for larger-scale trials investigating the potential of gut microbiome interventions to improve muscle health and cognitive function in older adults. Could the gut microbiome represent a key target for a whole range of age-related declines, helping to keep older people independent? By addressing these critical health challenges, researchers aim to enhance the quality of life for ageing populations worldwide.

This study was supported by King’s Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE) and by grants from the National Institute of Health Research and Wellcome Trust. 

18th October 2023 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

Researchers from TwinsUK have recently identified eight biochemical compounds measured in stool (faecal metabolites) that are involved in prediabetes and type-2 diabetes risk in a large study. Impaired fasting glucose, also known as prediabetes, refers to elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough to mean that the person has type.2 diabetes. Most importantly, prediabetes is a reversible condition: you can prevent or delay prediabetes from turning into type-2 diabetes with well-established lifestyle changes. However, over 80% of individuals with prediabetes remain unaware of their condition. Previous research found a link between type-2 diabetes, prediabetes and the bacteria living in our gut, but mechanisms remain elusive.  Faecal metabolites can provide valuable insights into their metabolic health, as they are the result of various metabolic processes occurring in the body, including the digestion and breakdown of food, as well as the activities of gut bacteria. 

The team analysed the gut microbiome and blood glucose levels collected from 1,018 TwinsUK participants, and then checked their findings in an additional cohort from Germany. The researchers discovered eight specific faecal metabolites linked to prediabetes risk. Importantly, though these metabolites were chemicals or substances that are not naturally found in the body and come from outside sources, they were still reflective of the individuals’ gut bacteria, suggesting a complex interplay between the gut microbiome and the host’s metabolic processes. Moreover, these metabolites were also predictive of type-2 diabetes in a sub-analysis, showing a potential connection with the development of type-2 diabetes. 

First author Ana Nogal stated: 

“Our findings open up new avenues for understanding the role of the gut microbiome in prediabetes and type-2 diabetes. The gut microbiome seems to influence the intestinal absorption or excretion of compounds that are not produced by the human body, and this is linked to prediabetes risk, adding another layer to the complex web of interactions between the gut microbiota and metabolic health.” 

Senior author Cristina Menni explained: 

“This research has the potential to transform our understanding of prediabetes and type-2 diabetes development, offering new insights into the role of the gut microbiome. The implications of this study are far-reaching, and it has the potential to pave the way for innovative treatments and preventive measures for these prevalent metabolic conditions.” 

The study highlights the importance of considering the gut microbiome’s impact on the absorption and excretion of compounds in understanding the onset of type-2 diabetes. Further research is needed to explore this mechanism and its potential implications for diabetes prevention and management. 

11th October 2023 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

In a groundbreaking collaborative effort encompassing six intercontinental cohorts including TwinsUK, the Consortium of Metabolomics Studies (COMETS) has identified 10 novel molecules measured in serum that were associated with incident myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. This research, representing the largest of its kind, included 7,897 people and has far-reaching implications for identifying at-risk individuals before the onset of this life-threatening condition. 

MI is a leading global cause of death and disability, underscoring the importance of early prediction and intervention. Previous studies measuring hundreds of serum molecules to identify biomarkers of MI have been restricted by limited participant numbers and/or demographic diversity. However, COMETS’ extensive research has addressed these limitations. 

In this study, individuals averaging 66 years of age were drawn from six distinct international cohorts, with their blood metabolomes analyzed. Coupled with data on 1,373 MI cases, the researchers executed a two-stage Individual Patient Data meta-analysis. 

The results were nothing short of groundbreaking. 56 metabolites, including 21 lipids and 17 amino acids, were linked to incident MI, with 10 of them not being reported before notably, the carbohydrate mannitol/sorbitol emerged with the highest increased risk, while glutamine exhibited the most significant decrease in risk. 

Moreover, these identified metabolites were substantially enriched in pathways previously associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. This reinforces the potential clinical relevance of these biomarkers. 

Senior author Cristina Menni explained:  

‘The identified molecules offer a promising avenue for early detection and risk assessment before the onset of heart disease. This is a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular research, as it can potentially enable healthcare professionals to identify individuals at risk of heart attacks well in advance, allowing for proactive interventions and personalized healthcare strategies.’ 

First author Ana Nogal said: 

‘The implications of this study are profound. The identified metabolites could serve as powerful tools for identifying individuals at high risk of MI before the disease manifests clinically. As a result, this research not only advances our comprehension of the molecular changes underlying MI development but also opens new avenues for clinical prediction and a more profound understanding of causal mechanisms.’ 

In a world where heart attacks remain a major public health concern, COMETS’ collaborative effort signifies the importance of multidisciplinary research and holds the promise of uncovering universal biomarkers that can save countless lives.