There are many factors that affect how long a person lives, for example: a healthy lifestyle, or specific environmental factors, but there is a new factor that many people did not know about, genes. Scientists have found proof that there are certain genes that determine how long, and how healthily, someone will live. Also, there is proof that there are specific genes that could help to protect against diseases that someone could potentially acquire in the future, like cancer, dementia, and/or cardiovascular diseases. Scientists also believe that some day soon they will be able to tell if a person will live into old age, and eventually be able to prevent age-related illnesses.
Paola Sebastiani, professor of biostatistics at Boston University (B.U.) School of Pubic Health, and Thomas Perls, professor of medicine and geriatrics at the B.U. School of Medicine, are the leaders of the study. These professors stated however that undoubtedly lifestyle choices such as: diet, exercising, and smoking habits play an "undisputed role in determining not only how long one will live, but also how well one ages. Also, scientists are led to believe that looking at one's family tree may indicate whether you have a familiar tendency toward longevity. Scientists indicate that there are at least two important ways in which genetics contribute to the degree of longevity of a person: 1) An individual may inherit certain genetic variations that predispose him or her to disease that decreases longevity, 2) other gene variants may confer disease resistance, thereby increasing it.
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Author: Nicholette Zeliadt
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1 comment:
Awsome post!!
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