In the first episode of 2024, immunologist Luke O’Neill looks back on the most important scientific discoveries of 2023. 

Speaking on Show Me the Science, Prof O’Neill more scientists in various fields means more discoveries are being made. 

“Year on year more and more discoveries are being made,” he said. 

“Who knows - we may one day discover everything we need to discover.” 

The year 2023 saw some groundbreaking discoveries that could change the course of human health, according to the professor. 

4,000 steps a day

Prof O’Neill’s personal favourite discovery was learning exactly how many steps people really need to take every day. 

“As many will know, we’re badgered with ‘you have to take 10,000 steps a day for your health or you’ll die’,” he said. 

“Well, the new number is in and 3,967 steps per day will do you.” 

A robust study found just under 4,000 steps will reduce your risk of death from any cause, while every extra thousand steps will continue to help. 

Prof O’Neill previously told Newstalk an extra 500 steps each day offers a 7% decreased risk of heart disease. 

“That makes me wonder, if you never stop walking will you ever die?" he said. 

Slowing down aging

Another breakthrough happened in January 2023 about the potential to stop aging in humans. 

“It’s still causing excitement,” Prof O’Neill said. 

An epigenetic study in mice found that certain changes in behaviour and environment can change how genes work. 

“It’s like a volume control on genetics,” Prof O’Neill explained. “You can mark the DNA... you can increase or decrease the marks, thereby changing the aging process. 

“Let’s say you’re in your 50s, if they did what they did to the mice, you could revert back to 25.” 

He noted, however, the study was only completed on mice and further investigation is needed. 

Alzheimer's breakthroughs in 2023

2023 was also a big year for Alzheimer’s treatment, as two studies found potential ways to reduce or prevent the disease. 

A study in May from the drug company Eli Lily found that a new drug could reduce the rate of cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s by between 27% and 35%. 

“It soaks it up like a sponge and showed you could slow down the disease,” Prof O’Neill said. 

Another study found that CRISPR technology could have the potential to “silence” certain genes and prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

“It’s something they’re watching very closely,” Prof O’Neill said. 

Prof O’Neill said 2024 should offer more scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. 

Main image: Professor Luke O'Neill in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk