Comprehensive analysis of epigenetic clocks reveals associations between disproportionate biological ageing and hippocampal volume

The concept of age acceleration, the difference between biological age and chronological age, is of growing interest, particularly with respect to age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Whilst studies have reported associations with AD risk and related phenotypes, there remains a lack of consensus on these associations. Here we aimed to comprehensively investigate the relationship between five recognised measures of age acceleration, based on DNA methylation patterns (DNAm age), and cross-sectional and longitudinal cognition and AD-related neuroimaging phenotypes (volumetric MRI and Amyloid-β PET) in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Significant associations were observed between age acceleration using the Hannum epigenetic clock and cross-sectional hippocampal volume in AIBL and replicated in ADNI. In AIBL, several other findings were observed cross-sectionally, including a significant association between hippocampal volume and the Hannum and Phenoage epigenetic clocks. Further, significant associations were also observed between hippocampal volume and the Zhang and Phenoage epigenetic clocks within Amyloid-β positive individuals. However, these were not validated within the ADNI cohort. No associations between age acceleration and other Alzheimer’s disease-related phenotypes, including measures of cognition or brain Amyloid-β burden, were observed, and there was no association with longitudinal change in any phenotype. This study presents a link between age acceleration, as determined using DNA methylation, and hippocampal volume that was statistically significant across two highly characterised cohorts. The results presented in this study contribute to a growing literature that supports the role of epigenetic modifications in ageing and AD-related phenotypes

Carbonic anhydrase in marine organisms

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN007704 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Environmental impact assessment of a scrap tyre artificial reef

Scrap tyres have been widely used around the world to construct artificial reefs. They are a popular construction material, being readily available at no cost, durable, and with large void spaces. However, published information about the environmental impact of tyres in the marine environment is limited. When used, successful colonization by epibiota and mobile species seems to be taken as empirical proof of their suitability. In 1998, an experimental scrap tyre artificial reef was constructed in Poole Bay to provide data on the environmental impact of the material. Epibiotic colonization is being monitored for comparison with that on concrete control modules deployed at the same time. Samples of the epibiota have been analysed for heavy metals and organic compounds. Results from the first year of deployment are presented

Environmental impact assessment of a scrap tyre artificial reef

Scrap tyres have been widely used around the world to construct artificial reefs. They are a popular construction material, being readily available at no cost, durable, and with large void spaces. However, published information about the environmental impact of tyres in the marine environment is limited. When used, successful colonization by epibiota and mobile species seems to be taken as empirical proof of their suitability. In 1998, an experimental scrap tyre artificial reef was constructed in Poole Bay to provide data on the environmental impact of the material. Epibiotic colonization is being monitored for comparison with that on concrete control modules deployed at the same time. Samples of the epibiota have been analysed for heavy metals and organic compounds. Results from the first year of deployment are presented