Researchers at Stanford University have made an intriguing advancement in medical diagnostics with a new blood test that functions like an "MOT" for the human body. This test measures the ageing rate of 11 vital organs, including the heart, brain, and lungs.

The initial study, which focused on adults who were mostly middle-aged or older, indicates that around one in five healthy individuals over 50 may have at least one organ ageing prematurely. For some, multiple organs could be ageing faster than their age suggests, raising the risk for organ-specific diseases or early mortality.

The technique, which is still being reviewed by scientists and awaiting approval, involves studying protein patterns in blood samples using advanced computer analysis, estimating the condition of health to various organs.

While the concept of predicting organ health might raise concerns, the potential for pre-emptive health measures is significant. If these early results hold true in larger, more diverse populations, this test could herald a new proactive era in healthcare, allowing for early interventions to address or even prevent age-related diseases.