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Study Uncovers How Much of Biological Aging is Driven by Random Noise Versus Dynamic Biologic Change

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LEXINGTON, Ky., May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new groundbreaking study, recently published in *Nature Aging*, by researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, TruDiagnostic, and Harvard, has unveiled significant insights into the mechanisms of epigenetic clocks, which are widely used to predict biological age. The study’s findings suggest that a large portion of the predictive accuracy of chronological clocks can be attributed to stochastic, or random, DNA methylation (DNAm) changes rather than deterministic biological aging processes.

Epigenetic clocks, such as those developed by Horvath and Zhang, have gained prominence for their ability to estimate an individual’s biological age with remarkable accuracy, based solely on patterns of DNA methylation. However, the precise mechanisms by which these changes in DNAm occur has remained largely unexplored until now.

The research team, led by Dr. Andrew Teschendorff, utilized sophisticated simulation models and extensive DNAm data from over 25 independent cohorts totaling 22,770 samples. Their analysis revealed that between 66% to 90% of the accuracy of various epigenetic clocks could be explained by stochastic processes. This finding was particularly pronounced in Zhang’s clock, which showed that up to 90% of its predictive capability could be attributed to these random changes.

Dr. Andrew E. Teschendorff, a senior author of the study, noted, “Our results further indicate that biological age-acceleration is unlikely to be the result of an increased rate of stochastic change, but instead being driven by non-stochastic processes. However, one exception to this seems to be mitotic age-acceleration in precancerous lesions.”

Furthermore, the study distinguished between different types of epigenetic clocks, finding that those more predictive of chronological age, like Zhang’s clock, were largely influenced by stochastic DNAm changes. In contrast, clocks like PhenoAge, which are more reflective of biological age, showed a lower degree of stochastic influence. This suggests that first generation clocks, trained to predict chronological age, have less utility in predicting outcomes of aging than clocks trained on other phenotypes of aging or biomarkers.

These insights are vital for the future development and refinement of epigenetic clocks, potentially guiding medical professionals towards more accurate assessments of biological aging and associated health risks.

“One trend we have seen in recent years is that clocks trained to predict chronological age have lower predictive power than newer clocks trained on biological information. Additionally, chronological clocks can sometimes increase with known lifespan extension interventions. This is counter intuitive. This study might explain why. Clocks trained to predict chronological age are driven by random variation over time while clocks which are predictive of lifespan seem to be much more dynamic and responsive to the ways we live our life” added Dr. Varun Dwaraka, a co-author of the study. 

The full study is available in the latest issue of *Nature Aging* and provides a comprehensive view of the stochastic components influencing epigenetic aging. This research not only advances our understanding of genetic aging mechanisms but also enhances the potential for personalized medical strategies based on more accurate DNA methylation profiling.

For further information, access the full paper here.

About TruDiagnostic

Home to the largest, private DNA methylation database in the world, TruDiagnostic is a leading health data company and CLIA-certified laboratory that specializes in epigenetic testing and research. In partnership with notable biotech developers, researchers, and academic institutions, we are transforming the healthcare potential of epigenetic data into actionable applications. We aim to improve people’s lives by arming patients and physicians with novel biological insights; enabling them to make the right lifestyle and medical decisions through information found in the fluid epigenome. With the ability to analyze more than 1,000,000 locations on one’s DNA, our TruAge biological aging tests provide the most in-depth results, and multi-omic correlations to accelerated aging.

Additional Contacts

Hannah Went, Director of Operations

General Inquiries  

(937) 570-0471  

(833) 963-1700

hannah@trudiagnostic.com

support@trudiagnostic.com

www.trudiagnostic.com

www.trudiagnostic.com

**Contact:**
Dr. Andrew E. Teschendorff
Email: andrew@sinh.ac.cn
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China

Emilie Arroyo, Media Relations
(786) 247-4579
emilie@trudiagnostic.com  
www.trudiagnostic.com

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Pastor taking flat earthers to Antarctica to end the debate

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DENVER, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A pastor from Colorado hopes to end the debate over the shape of the Earth. Pastor Will Duffy’s plan? To bring both flat earthers and globe earthers to Antarctica! On December 14th, four flat earthers and four globe earthers will fly to Antarctica for what is being labeled The Final Experiment.

“I created The Final Experiment to end the debate over the shape of the Earth…once and for all.” –Will Duffy

On the globe, Antarctica is an island continent at the southernmost part of the world. But on a flat earth, Antarctica is an ice wall that encircles all the other continents and holds in all the world’s oceans. For years, flat earthers have said that Antarctica holds the key to proving the Earth is flat. But not a single flat earther has ever been to Antarctica. The-Final-Experiment.com Why not? They said the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 prevented them from going. And one of the reasons they believe the Antarctic Treaty was put in place was to specifically prevent people from visiting Antarctica during the summer, which is right now in the southern hemisphere. Visiting Antarctica in the summer is important because on the globe, the sun should not set in much of Antarctica during the summer due to the tilt of the Earth. But on a flat earth, since Antarctica is an ice wall encircling the rest of the world, the sun must rise and set each day. It could never circle in the sky all 24 hours, like it does in Antarctica.

A little over three years ago, Pastor Will Duffy was made aware that people still believe the Earth is flat when a longtime friend of his posted about it on Facebook. And he decided to take matters into his own hands. Since flat earthers said for years that Antarctica will show the world the truth about the shape of the Earth, Duffy decided the easiest solution would be to just go to Antarctica. Will Duffy added, “I created The Final Experiment to end this debate, once and for all. After we go to Antarctica, no one has to waste any more time debating the shape of the Earth.” https://www.youtube.com/@The-Final-Experiment

On December 14th, Duffy and the other eight participants of The Final Experiment (four flat earthers and four globe earthers) will fly with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions to Union Glacier, Antarctica. As soon as they get off the plane and onto the ice, the clock will start. For the next 24 hours, they will monitor and film the sun. If it stays in the sky for 24 hours, the globe is confirmed. The real question is: will the flat earthers change their mind?

MEDIA CONTACT:

Will Duffy
720-432-9455
thefinalexperiment2024@gmail.com
The-Final-Experiment.com

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Targus Expands Its Collection Of EcoSmart Laptop Bags And Tech Accessories Equipping People To Do More With Their Technology While Helping To Protect The Planet

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Demonstrates company’s continued commitment to creating a more sustainable future while delivering solutions designed to make the complex, simple

ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Targus®, the number one third-party docking station and laptop case brand in the US1 and a leader in mobile computing accessories, today announced that it has expanded its EcoSmart laptop bags and tech accessories, further demonstrating its commitment to making sustainable, long-lasting products that help people and businesses do more with their technology.

The company’s latest additions include new laptop cases and tech accessories bundles designed for sustainability, including a new GeoLite™ EcoSmart® Collection, which includes a sleek, slim backpack and briefcase, an ultra-durable and versatile 15-16″ Terra EcoSmart® Backpack, and EcoSmart™ mice/keyboard bundles designed for sustainability and superior ergonomics.

“At Targus, we continually strive to reduce our impact on the planet, which includes incorporating the use of sustainable materials and technologies in our products, from our laptop bags to tech accessories,” says Jonny Yuan, Vice President, Design at Targus. “These latest EcoSmart products exemplify how Targus is doing more to impact less while delivering innovative, purpose-built solutions to our customers.”

The 12-16″ GeoLite EcoSmart Advanced Backpack and 15-16″ GeoLite EcoSmart Slim Brief are designed for busy professionals to protect their laptops while staying organized and looking sleek. Each of these EcoSmart bags features a dedicated laptop compartment to keep their tech safe, along with handy zippered pockets to keep everything in their place. Both laptop bags are water-resistant on the outside and eco-friendly on the inside. The interior lining of the backpack is made using GRS-certified recycled materials equivalent to six recycled bottles and the Slim Brief’s interior from the equivalent of two recycled bottles.

In addition, Targus has introduced a 15-16″ Terra EcoSmart Backpack that can be effortlessly transitioned from a work and commuting backpack to weekend adventure pack. Available in black and grey, this durable, exceptionally versatile backpack delivers all-day comfort in a sustainable design, whether transitioning from work to the trails or traveling through crowded city streets during the daily commute. Its protection features include integrated anti-theft fasteners on primary pockets, a rain cover, and secure front helmet harnessing to handle the elements and prepare for new adventures. With an interior lining made from recycled materials, repurposing eight plastic bottles, this bag not only protects your essentials, but the environment, too.

In 2023, Targus first introduced EcoSmart tech accessories that are made from 85% certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, operate on ultra-low-power Bluetooth® which is four times more energy efficient than standard Bluetooth, and come in recycled packaging. Now, Targus has expanded these offerings by offering them as a complete, bundled solution. They include an EcoSmart Ergonomic Keyboard & ErgoFlip™ Mouse Combo and Antimicrobial Full-Size Wireless EcoSmart Keyboard & Midsize Comfort Mouse Combo arriving this month and an EcoSmart Full-Size Wired Keyboard & Ambidextrous Wired Mouse Combo which will be available in Q1 2025.

Targus began incorporating recycled plastic in its products 16 years ago, and to date, has repurposed 32.2 million bottles – saving the equivalent of 2,008,477 lbs. of CO2 compared to virgin plastic.* In 2024, Targus also introduced a new Coastline™ Collection of laptop bags made from certified ocean-bound plastic and a high percentage of recycled material.

Read the Targus 2024 Global Sustainability Report to learn more about the company’s continued environmental progress and forward-looking roadmap.

About Targus

For more than 40 years, Targus has been helping people and businesses get the most out of their tech—keeping it safe, easy to use, and always within reach. Our mission is simple yet powerful: To carry, protect, and connect your tech everywhere. We aim to make life with technology better, not harder. At Targus, we don’t just sell tech accessories — we empower you to do your best, wherever life takes you. So, whether you’re working from home, commuting across the city, or jetting off somewhere exciting, our solutions work seamlessly with your devices, unlocking possibilities, simplifying tasks, helping you work smarter, travel lighter, and get more done —today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

As a global leader in docking, Targus has deployed more than 3 million universal docking stations around the world in more than 12,000 organizations – with more than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies using Targus products and maintains the number one spot in US B2B Universal Docks (3rd party only)2.

Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Targus has global operations in more than 24 offices and distribution in more than 100 countries. Discover Targus at Targus.com and on our blog, and connect with us on social media: PodcastLinkedInTwitter/XFacebookInstagramTikTok, and YouTube.

* Targus global sales results: units + revenue, 2019-2023.

1Source: Circana, US/Canada Retail and US B2B Reseller in Unit Sales, ending June 2024 (Laptop Bag case type = Briefcase, Sleeve, Attache, Slipcase, Messenger Bag)

2Source: Circana, US B2B Reseller, Docking Stations Unit Sales, ending June 2024

Targus, EcoSmart, GeoLite, ErgoFlip, and Coastline are trademarks or registered trademarks of Targus International LLC in the US and in certain other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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ALLMIGHT Partners with Innovation & Technology Caucus to Establish Texas as the Crypto Capital of the U.S.

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AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ALLMIGHT, an organization focused on advancing U.S. leadership in cryptocurrency, is proud to announce its role as a Leadership Partner to the Innovation & Technology (IT) Caucus of the Texas House of Representatives. This partnership underscores ALLMIGHT’s commitment to fostering growth in Texas’ tech ecosystem, helping shape policy, and establishing the Lone Star State as the crypto capital of the United States.

“Engaging with partners like ALLMIGHT helps us shape informed policy.” — Spencer Ward, Exec. Director of IT Caucus

As a Leadership Partner, ALLMIGHT will help amplify the state’s efforts to advance cryptocurrency development, and provide expert insights to help inform lawmakers as they craft policies impacting the fast-growing industry. This partnership aims to grow Texas’ leadership in the field, attracting top-tier talent, businesses, and investment capital to the region.

“Our collaboration with the IT Caucus is a crucial step toward establishing Texas as a global leader in the next wave of technological innovation,” said Kevin Ricoy, Founder of ALLMIGHT. “By working hand-in-hand with lawmakers, we can help foster an environment that encourages innovation, supports founders, and drives long-term prosperity for Texas.”

A Focus on Talent and Capital Formation

ALLMIGHT’s involvement with the IT Caucus will not only focus on policy advocacy but also offering opportunities for direct engagement with founders and business professionals. This will help lawmakers better understand the needs of the crypto industry and create pathways for talent to flourish in Texas.

ALLMIGHT’s mission to grow U.S. leadership in crypto aligns perfectly with Texas’ growing prominence as a hub for technology and business. By offering the IT Caucus direct access to industry insights and the needs of entrepreneurs, ALLMIGHT will help lawmakers craft policies that foster innovation, attract investment, and sustain Texas’ status as a leader in the field.

“The IT Caucus is committed to ensuring Texas remains a leader in emerging industries like blockchain and cryptocurrency,” said Spencer Ward, Executive Director of the IT Caucus. “Engaging with partners like ALLMIGHT helps us connect with innovators and shape informed, forward-thinking policy.”

About ALLMIGHT
ALLMIGHT is on a mission to accelerate USA leadership in crypto. Taking a culture-first approach to affecting change, ALLMIGHT produces “next-generation Americana” designed to reach and inspire the masses while hosting engaging events to unite, grow, and support the US crypto community. The goal is help cultivate talent, capital, and mindshare in the United States.

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SOURCE ALLMIGHT

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