Biohacking Weekly 50: Why Midlife May Be Your Brain’s True Golden Era

This is Biohacking Weekly — a curated news roundup designed to help you increase your longevity, improve healthspan and access OptimOZ product picks.

IN THIS EDITION

1. The role of magnesium in cancer prevention
2. The heartbeat economy of exercise
3. Data that redefines ‘full-time’ work
4. Why your brain peaks at 55
5. UV light turns off allergy triggers

1. Magnesium — The Secret Weapon Against Colon Cancer

What if a simple mineral could turn your gut into a vitamin D powerhouse, slashing colon cancer risk?

A groundbreaking 2025 study reveals just that. In a 3.5-year trial, 236 adults with prior polyps took 400 mg daily magnesium supplements. Results? It supercharged "good" gut bacteria like Carnobacterium and Faecalibacterium, sparking local vitamin D production that curbs inflammation and polyp regrowth — up to 25% fewer in key groups.

Interestingly, the protective benefits appeared stronger in women, possibly due to estrogen’s role in how cells manage magnesium. The study suggests that gut-based vitamin D synthesis — independent of sunlight — could help inhibit early cancer development locally in the intestines.

Source: Sun E. et al. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2025

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2. How Many Heartbeats Does Training Save (or Spend)?

Australian scientists have introduced a new concept called “heartbeat consumption” — a way to balance the heartbeats you spend during exercise against those you save through lower resting heart rates.

In the study, elite cyclists had about 11,500 fewer heartbeats per day than non-athletes, roughly a 10% reduction thanks to training. But during extreme races, riders “spent” around 35,000 beats per stage, erasing those savings.

A lower resting heart rate means the heart pumps more efficiently, reducing wear and tear over time. The study suggests that more isn’t always better — finding balance may be key to lasting heart health and longevity.

Source: Van Puyvelde T. et al, JACC Adv., 2025

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

A six-month global study led by Boston College found that cutting the workweek to four days (32 hours) with no pay reduction led to remarkable results: 70% of employees felt less burnout, 40% reported better mental health, and 38% slept better.

The research tracked nearly 2,900 employees across 141 companies in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand — marking the largest four-day workweek trial to date.

After half a year, employees reported higher energy, lower stress, and stronger performance, while the control group on a five-day schedule saw no meaningful change.

Source: Fan W. et al. Nature Human Behaviour, 2025

4. Midlife May Be the Brain’s Prime Time

A new study from the University of Western Australia reveals that human brain performance peaks between ages 55 and 60, not in youth. Researchers found that experience, judgment, and emotional intelligence combine to make midlife minds exceptionally strong at decision-making and problem-solving.

By analyzing nine traits (from cognitive flexibility to moral reasoning) the study showed that overall functioning peaks in late midlife, powered by continued growth in crystallized and emotional intelligence.

These strengths offset natural declines in processing speed, proving that maturity brings a deeper, more adaptable intelligence — and that middle age may be the brain’s true golden era.

Source: Gignac G. et al. Intelligence, 2025

5. UV Light Could Wipe Out Allergies in Minutes

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder has found that ultraviolet (UV) light can neutralize airborne allergens — from cat dander to dust mites — by changing their protein structure. Instead of killing allergens (which aren’t alive), the light “unfolds” them so the immune system no longer recognizes them as threats. In lab tests, 222-nanometer UV light cut allergen activity by up to 61% in just 40 minutes, offering a faster and easier alternative to endless cleaning or filtering.

Because UV222 light is mild enough for safe indoor use, it might soon help allergy sufferers breathe freely at home, school, or work.

👉 Read the full article on Gizmodo