- Since time immemorial, humankind has been grappling with Mother Nature’s many secrets that are yet to be deciphered, though advancements of various hues and colours are revealed quite frequently. While humanity has immensely benefited from mind-boggling revelations, certain aspects of life itself are not only proving to be beyond human comprehension but also posing tough, undecipherable questions for ages. One such aspect is the human quest to conquer ageing, which has not only fascinated humankind for millennia but also piqued interest in assiduously pursuing the secrets of extending the longevity of life itself. Of course, from time to time, miraculous unearthing of medicines has aided this quest for all concerned. It’s not enough.
PC: Consensus AI
- Even as the advancements in the field of medicine progressed most welcomingly, the average life span of humans also increased compared to earlier times. Of course, the changes witnessed vis-à-vis existential challenges like wars, famine, droughts, and conquests, etc did play a role in the shortening of life span previously. These medieval challenges have been reduced drastically since the evolutionary progress achieved by humanity over the centuries, leading up to the present modern day. Nonetheless, the quest for cracking longevity hasn’t subsided one bit, though. As reported recently, longevity and anti-ageing R&D may be in for a pivot, now that there’s a new answer to the question of how much genes determine how long we live.
PC: CNBC
- Scientists now say that genes have a much bigger influence, as much as 50%, in influencing lifespans than earlier studies suggested (between 20-25%). To be clear, scientists aren’t saying earlier estimates got it wrong. Now, what they note is that earlier studies did not account for how causes of death have changed over the century. Earlier studies never partitioned cause of death into what the scientists of the new study called extrinsic factors (like infections, disease, accidents, etc) and intrinsic factors (such as genetics, ageing, and age-related conditions like dementia). With medical advances, vaccinations, improved diet, healthcare, and a better environment, the extent or proportion of impact of extrinsic factors on mortality has reduced.
PC: STAT News
- Thus, the impact of genes, as the major intrinsic factor, on lifespans is much greater. Does this imply that were scientists to identify genes that influence longevity, they’d have cracked the code to living longer, healthier lives? Indeed, the new study will inspire deeper genetics research specifically to identify how genes impact lifespans. Most research so far shows that human lifespan is fixed, that biological ageing can’t be abolished. That said, genetics research on longevity might one day reveal DNA machinations that can cheat death. The influence of lifestyle and environment likely becomes more important as we age. So, mindless eating, drinking, smoking, not sleeping, and pollution will matter. As is a healthy lifestyle: diet, exercise, environment, and healthcare. Till the genetic code is cracked, lifestyle codes remain the mantra for healthier, longer lives. Simple
, as earlier studies did not account for how medical advances have reduced extrinsic mortality factors like infections and accidents. This breakthrough understanding suggests that identifying longevity-determining genes could unlock the code to extending healthier lives, though lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, environment, and healthcare remain crucial until genetic mechanisms are fully decoded.){kind=link}