馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Brazilian sisters, aged 109, 104, and 103, recognized for combined age record and DNA longevity research
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Three Brazilian sisters, aged 109, 104, and 103, have been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the highest combined age of three living siblings, totaling 316 years. Their longevity has attracted the attention of scientists, leading to their enrollment in The DNA Longevo Project, a study led by geneticist Dr. Mayana Zatz at the University of S茫o Paulo. The project aims to identify biological markers that contribute to physical and mental resilience at advanced ages by comparing genetic data of healthy nonagenarians and centenarians with those who experience early frailty or cognitive decline. The sisters, Levita de Deus Nunes 109, Zoraide de Deus Mota 104, and Zulina de Deus Nunes 103, grew up in rural Cedro de S茫o Jo茫o, Brazil, and later moved to Rio de Janeiro. They attribute their long lives to natural nutrition, including fresh food and breastfeeding, and a hardworking lifestyle. Researchers believe inherited biological factors play a significant role in extreme survival, and the study seeks to understand how genetics protect the heart, muscles, and cognitive function from aging. A co-researcher, Joao Paulo Guilherme, stated the goal is to study 500 centenarians for more definitive conclusions on longevity. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, noted the strong genetic component and the importance of their support network. The eldest sister, Levita, worked at Rede Globo Television and enjoyed handmade crafts. Zoraide became a primary school teacher and later a
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadFormer Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, presented a two-volume peace and security report to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The report includes recommendations for protecting vulnerable communities, aiding displaced persons, and implementing institutional reforms to end violence in the state. This initiative follows a surge in deadly attacks on rural communities in Plateau during the first half of 2026, which led Governor Mutfwang to seek intervention from President Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu then directed the state to pursue lasting peace, resulting in the formation of the committee headed by Senator Dariye. The committee was tasked with harmonizing issues raised during the delegation's visit to the President, developing an engagement agenda with the Presidency, identifying priority areas for federal intervention, and recommending sustainable measures for peace and security. Senator Dariye stated that the report provides detailed analyses, findings, implementation frameworks, and practical recommendations, emphasizing that the state's peace and security challenges are multidimensional. The report highlights that previous peace initiatives failed due to inadequate implementation and weak institutional support. Key recommendations include a comprehensive stabilization and recovery framework that extends beyond military responses to cover community protection, support for internally displaced persons, reconstruction, livelihood restoration, and trauma healing. Gove
Manchester City announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager on Monday, succeeding Pep Guardiola. The 46-year-old Italian signed a three-year contract, committing him to the Etihad Stadium until summer 2029. Maresca expressed his familiarity with the club, stating, "Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me." He highlighted the club's innovative and purposeful approach, calling it a "dream situation" for a manager. Maresca, who previously coached Leicester in the Championship and Chelsea in the Premier League, noted this will be his third tenure at City. He emphasized his understanding of the club's demands and expectations, thanking the staff for their faith in his abilities. Maresca concluded by expressing his eagerness to begin coaching, aiming for wins, good football, and embracing the pressure of representing Manchester City.
Must ReadSecurity operatives, including the Army, Police, and local Civilian Joint Task Force, have rescued seven students abducted from Lassa Day Secondary School in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The students were taking National Examinations Council examinations when terrorists attacked the school on Monday, using motorcycles and shooting sporadically before abducting students and women. Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, confirmed the rescue and stated that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees. The gender of the rescued individuals and the total number of missing students are yet to be confirmed. A delegation has been sent to the community to assess the situation and reassure residents. The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, previously reported that security operatives confronted the attackers, preventing a larger abduction. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on schools in Nigeria's North-East region.