Another Potential Longevity Gene

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Sci-Tech Today reports on results from deCode Genetics, the company working on extracting useful information from Icelandic genes: "DeCode scientists have located two sites on Icelanders' genomes where there is some genetic variant that promotes longer life span. ... It occurs at much higher frequency in women over 95 and in men over 90 than in the normal population. ... It is particularly surprising that the same genetic element should promote fertility and longevity since most organisms are obliged to follow a strategy either of breeding fast during short lives or of living longer and having fewer children. ... Usually people think of there being a trade-off between fertility and longevity. So we are getting a free lunch here."

Link: http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=29778