LONGEVITY UPDATE: Common nasal spray ingredient emerges in Massachusetts lab work on aging pathways. “A common nasal spray ingredient has turned up in an unexpected corner of aging research. Early lab work suggests oxymetazoline — best known as the active ingredient in Afrin — may influence one biological process associated with aging. . . . One of the compounds that drew attention was oxymetazoline, which appeared to influence intercellular communication — the signaling system cells use to send and receive messages throughout the body. Aging can disrupt those signals, contributing to issues such as weaker immune responses and muscle and bone loss. Oxymetazoline is also found in some Sinex nasal sprays, as well as certain eye drops and creams used for redness, the outlet reported. Still, a promising lab result is a long way from a real anti-aging treatment.”