Scientists Pinpoint Genetic Link to Long Life
A groundbreaking new study has finally cracked the code on what sets long-lived individuals apart from their shorter-lived counterparts. Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered that genetics play a far greater role in determining human lifespan than previously thought.
In a bid to uncover the secrets behind human longevity, Prof Uri Alon and his team conducted an exhaustive analysis of data from thousands of pairs of twins in Denmark and Sweden. They also took into account the impact of "extrinsic mortality" - factors such as accidents, infectious diseases, and environmental influences that can cut short lives.
The results revealed a shocking truth: approximately 50% of human lifespan variation is attributed to genetics. This figure is on par with that seen in wild mice, suggesting that genetic factors have a profound influence on our overall well-being.
To isolate the effect of genetics from extrinsic mortality, the researchers created a mathematical model that accounted for biological aging and then calibrated it using historical datasets. The findings suggest that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining an individual's lifespan - one that is often masked by external factors.
Interestingly, lifestyle and environmental influences become increasingly important as we age. Conversely, random biological effects and external factors have a smaller impact on our overall health and longevity.
According to the researchers, genetics are not just responsible for longevity but also hold the key to unlocking new therapies to slow down aging. "These genes will tell us the mechanisms that govern our internal clocks," Prof Alon explained. This knowledge could lead to novel interventions aimed at preserving human lifespan and combating age-related diseases.
The study's results were tested using data from a US study of siblings of centenarians, with heritability estimates of around 50%. Another Swedish dataset revealed that as extrinsic mortality decreased over time - likely due to advances in public health - the genetic contribution to lifespan increased. This suggests that genetics play an even more significant role in determining human lifespan when external factors are controlled for.
While there is still much to be discovered about the genes responsible for longevity, this study provides a compelling argument for the importance of genetic analysis in understanding aging and age-related diseases. As Prof Ben Shenhar noted, identifying these protective genes could lead to further breakthroughs in our quest to extend human lifespan.
A groundbreaking new study has finally cracked the code on what sets long-lived individuals apart from their shorter-lived counterparts. Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered that genetics play a far greater role in determining human lifespan than previously thought.
In a bid to uncover the secrets behind human longevity, Prof Uri Alon and his team conducted an exhaustive analysis of data from thousands of pairs of twins in Denmark and Sweden. They also took into account the impact of "extrinsic mortality" - factors such as accidents, infectious diseases, and environmental influences that can cut short lives.
The results revealed a shocking truth: approximately 50% of human lifespan variation is attributed to genetics. This figure is on par with that seen in wild mice, suggesting that genetic factors have a profound influence on our overall well-being.
To isolate the effect of genetics from extrinsic mortality, the researchers created a mathematical model that accounted for biological aging and then calibrated it using historical datasets. The findings suggest that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining an individual's lifespan - one that is often masked by external factors.
Interestingly, lifestyle and environmental influences become increasingly important as we age. Conversely, random biological effects and external factors have a smaller impact on our overall health and longevity.
According to the researchers, genetics are not just responsible for longevity but also hold the key to unlocking new therapies to slow down aging. "These genes will tell us the mechanisms that govern our internal clocks," Prof Alon explained. This knowledge could lead to novel interventions aimed at preserving human lifespan and combating age-related diseases.
The study's results were tested using data from a US study of siblings of centenarians, with heritability estimates of around 50%. Another Swedish dataset revealed that as extrinsic mortality decreased over time - likely due to advances in public health - the genetic contribution to lifespan increased. This suggests that genetics play an even more significant role in determining human lifespan when external factors are controlled for.
While there is still much to be discovered about the genes responsible for longevity, this study provides a compelling argument for the importance of genetic analysis in understanding aging and age-related diseases. As Prof Ben Shenhar noted, identifying these protective genes could lead to further breakthroughs in our quest to extend human lifespan.
I'm not buying it. 50% of lifespan variation attributed to genetics? That's a pretty convenient number. What about all the other factors that affect our health and longevity? Environmental influences, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare... these things aren't just "extrinsic mortality" – they're real. And what about the fact that this study was based on twins, which isn't exactly representative of the general population. Can we really generalize from a tiny subset of Danish and Swedish folks? 
I'm so excited about this new study 
! Genetics are totally on point when it comes to longevity 
. It's crazy that 50% of our lifespan variation is due to genes 
. I mean, I've always been a fan of good genes 
, and now we can finally understand why some people just seem to age better than others 
.
. And the fact that lifestyle and environmental factors become more important as we age is like, totally relatable 
. It's all about finding those balance points 
.
. I mean, can you imagine being able to slow down the aging process? 
That would be amazing 
! And identifying those protective genes could lead to some serious breakthroughs 
.
!
and I see this study is kinda like "yep, genetics plays a major role too" 
But what's wild is how these genes can influence our internal clocks 
... like, does that mean we could use this info to create new therapies or something? 
Wouldn't it be sick if scientists could pinpoint the exact genetic markers for longevity and start working on treatments for age-related diseases? 
think its cool they used data from twins and calced out genetic contributions... wonder what lifestyle factors would affect gene expression over time? 