New saliva test estimates risk of dying within a year through DNA analysis

Researchers have developed a new test called CheekAge, which uses a simple cheek swab to estimate a person's biological age by analyzing DNA changes. This method aims to predict the risk of dying within the next year. In a study involving over 1,500 participants, those with a higher CheekAge were found to be significantly more likely to die within the year compared to those with a lower score. This test was more accurate than previous blood-based epigenetic clocks. Experts caution that CheekAge cannot predict exact death dates. They emphasize that it provides risk assessments rather than definitive predictions, and lifestyle factors play a significant role in biological age.