October 1, 2025
UW researchers develop a novel approach for measuring biological age
University of Washington Researchers have recently developed a new health assessment tool for measuring biological age. The “Health Octo Tool” uses eight metrics derived from clinical exams and lab tests to determine biological age. This tool differs from current approaches, which focus on individual diseases, and instead considers aging much more holistically.
Led by Dr. Shabnam Salimi, a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Health Octo Tool builds on a concept known as health entropy, which is the accumulated molecular and cellular damage that is inflicted on organs over time.
Health Octo Tool was validated with data from over 45,000 adults from several longitudinal studies, and found that seemingly minor diseases like hypertension may dramatically accelerate aging processes. The team is now working on developing a digital application aimed at allowing patients and providers to track biological aging and assess the effectiveness of health interventions.