Before her death in 2024, she made a very specific request: that a team of Spanish scientists be allowed to analyze her biological and genetic profile to understand the reasons behind her exceptional health. Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute took part in the study, collecting tissue samples and examining the genetic makeup of the supercentenarian.
Separating Aging From Disease
Dr. Manel Esteller, the lead researcher on the project, explained in an interview that María’s case was unique. “The general rule is that as we age, we get sicker, but she was an exception, and we wanted to understand why,” he said. According to the researcher, the findings made it possible to “separate aging from disease,” something that until now had seemed impossible.