Scientists Find Genes That Predict Longevity

Researchers say they've found 150 genetic markers that can predict with 77% accuracy whether someone is likely to live a century or so. The scientists at Boston University made the discovery in a detailed study of the genomes of more than a 1,000 centenarians, reports the Guardian. Just don't expect a test to be showing up at CVS anytime soon.

"You could conceivably produce a chip that would help predict people’s genetic predisposition to exceptional longevity," the lead researcher tells the Boston Globe. "But I and all the authors of the paper want to instill a great deal of caution. I start worrying a bit bout what insurance companies and others might do with that information. I, for one, think it’s not ready from a social point of view." (More longevity stories.)