Genetics May Influence Human Lifespan More Than Thought
By: Nikhil Pandey
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14 Mar 2026
A new study suggests genetics play a larger role in determining human lifespan than believed
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Researchers estimate genes account for roughly half the differences seen in how long people live
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Earlier twin studies suggested genetics influenced only about twenty to thirty percent of lifespan variation
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Scientists say previous research overlooked deaths caused by accidents, violence and infectious diseases in datasets
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Such external causes, called extrinsic mortality, can distort calculations about the true genetic influence significantly
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Researchers developed a mathematical method to adjust twin data and remove effects of extrinsic mortality
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When those deaths were accounted for, the estimated heritability of lifespan increased substantially in analysis
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Identical twins raised apart helped scientists separate genetic influences from environmental lifestyle factors more clearly
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The findings suggest genetics may strongly shape aging processes alongside diet, behaviour and living conditions
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Scientists say stronger genetic signals could encourage more research into genes that promote healthy longevity
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