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Using light to optogenetically power mitochondria, this study shows that opposing the age-related decline in mitochondrial membrane potential leads to increased healthspan and lifespan in Caenorhabditiselegans. This result points to mitochondrial charge as a fundamental regulator of biological aging.
Mavrikaki et al. show that severe COVID-19 is associated with molecular signatures of aging and low cognitive performance in the human frontal cortex; and emphasize the value of neurological follow-up in recovered individuals.