By looking at people’s DNA, researchers can potentially predict whether a person can expect to live longer or die sooner than average.
According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, some 12 areas of the human genome were pinpointed as having a significant impact on lifespan, including five sites that have not been reported before.
The team analysed the combined effect of genetic variations that influence lifespan to produce a scoring system.
They found that people, who score in the top ten per cent of the population might expect to live up to five years longer than those, who score in the lowest ten per cent, according to the team.
The study has been published in the journal eLife.
(NAN)
