How long a person lives may be far more strongly shaped by genetics than previously believed, according to a new Israeli study challenging long-held views about aging and longevity.
The research, led by Weizmann Institute of Science doctoral student Ben Shenhar and Prof. Uri Alon, suggests that inherited genetic factors account for roughly 50 percent of the variation in human life expectancy—more than double earlier estimates. Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind lifespan could lead to therapies targeting aging itself, not just age-related diseases.
Shenhar told The Press Service of Israel that the findings mark a significant shift in how longevity should be studied.
“Our breakthrough essentially corrected previous methodologies,” Shenhar said. “For the first time, we neutralized external causes of death…