| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/1/2008 9:26:23 PM | http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24279207-30417,00.html
Researchers find longevity gene
Leigh Dayton, Science writer | September 02, 2008
FOR the first time researchers have identified a human gene firmly linked to ageing and longevity. People with a specific form of a gene are likely to live longer, healthier lives than those without it.
"What this article really emphasizes is what we all know anyway - if you want to live a long and healthy life, choose your parents carefully," commented medical geneticist Bob Williamson, dean of Melbourne University's Faculty of Medicine.
Until now, studies of other human candidate genes have proven disappointing.
True "longevity genes" been found only only in yeasts and non-human animals, including worms, flies rats and mice.
And like the newfound human gene, FOXO3A, those animal genes are associated with insulin-sensing proteins,...
(more at url) | |
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| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/1/2008 10:25:46 PM | This folks, is why we should fund Genetic Engineering.
Nothing to be afraid of.  | |
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| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/2/2008 4:54:18 PM | Hey, if your parents don't have the longevity gene, can you just request different parents? After all, it's not your fault who your parents are, is it?
On a more serious point, my paternal grandfather lived into his 90s, and my maternal grandmother died at 89. But my father died at 55. So does that mean I'll live long or not?
This is more interesting, however:
And like the newfound human gene, FOXO3A, those animal genes are associated with insulin-sensing proteins, claim US and Japanese scientists headed by Bradley Willcox of the Pacific Health Research Institute and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Since the longevity gene is directly connected to insulin production, it is probably connected to diabetes and to obesity, both of which are connected to insulin. So it looks like the world really is divided into Morlocks and Elois. The Morlocks get obese, get diabetes, and die young. The Elois stay thin, never get diabetes, and live to a ripe old age. I wonder how long it will be before you will only get life insurance if you have the longevity gene? | |
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| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/2/2008 5:45:56 PM |
On a more serious point, my paternal grandfather lived into his 90s, and my maternal grandmother died at 89. But my father died at 55. So does that mean I'll live long or not?
Depends on how your dad died. Was he hit by a bus? If so, you should be ok as long as you avoid busses. Did he die of heart disease despite living a healthy lifestyle? Um... sorry, I've enjoyed your posts here and will be sorry to see you go. | |
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| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/3/2008 2:55:39 AM | | His grandmother and great grandmother could have been on his mother's side.. =) | |
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| Longevity gene found
Posted: 9/4/2008 2:10:30 PM | Interesting subject.
Longetivity tends to run on my mother's side of the family. Grandfather was a miserable sob and lived to 96. Maybe that's the trick to longevity? heh...but on my dad's side, his siblings are dying off at young ages (50s or early 60s).
Thanks for the thread. | |
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