Genes Influence 50% of Lifespan, Weizmann Study Finds
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- Weizmann Institute of Science published a study in Science showing that genetics explain approximately 50% of differences in human lifespan, challenging earlier estimates of 10–25%.
- Ben Shenhar and Prof. Uri Alon led the research team that analyzed large twin datasets from Sweden and Denmark, including twins raised apart, to isolate genetic influences on longevity.
- Researchers developed simulations of virtual twins and used mathematical models to filter out deaths from accidents, infections, and environmental causes, revealing a stronger genetic signal in aging-related mortality.
- The study found that up to age 80, the heritability of dying from dementia is about 70%, significantly higher than for cancer or heart disease.
- Earlier lifespan studies were skewed by extrinsic mortality factors, which masked genetic contributions because cause-of-death data was not detailed enough to separate aging from external causes.
Why it matters: This finding shifts the focus in aging research toward identifying specific longevity genes, making genetic studies of lifespan more viable. With heritability now estimated at 50%, pharmaceutical and biotech efforts may prioritize gene-targeted anti-aging therapies, altering research investment and medical approaches to aging.
