The influence of heredity on lifespan turned out to be significantly higher than previously thought. For a long time, this figure was underestimated due to the high proportion of deaths not related to natural aging. This is reported by Science.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen studied data sets on twins and concluded that excluding fatalities caused by accidents, injuries, infections, and other external reasons, the contribution of parents to the longevity of their offspring reaches 50 percent. In previous centuries, people often died as a result of wars, epidemics, and accidents, which distorted the statistical picture.
According to the scientists, it was these factors that concealed the true significance of the biological mechanisms of aging. As a result, researchers previously concluded that there was a weak link between genetics and lifespan.
The application of a different calculation method showed that when external causes of death are excluded, it becomes clear: genes largely determine the risk of death associated with the gradual decline of bodily functions. In such conditions, the heritability of longevity is comparable to the heritability of most key physiological characteristics of humans.
Leave a comment