Genetics play a significantly larger role in determining lifespan than previously understood, according to a new analysis published in Science. The study, challenging decades of scientific consensus, found that approximately 55% of human lifespan is heritable, meaning that more than half of the observed variation in longevity across a population can be attributed to genetics. This is a substantial increase from previous estimates, which ranged from 10% to 25%, according to Nature News.
The findings are expected to accelerate the search for specific genes involved in aging and the development of treatments for aging and age-related diseases, according to Nature News. The research suggests that genetic factors are a more dominant influence on longevity than previously recognized.
In other health news, a University of Bonn study highlighted the benefits of an oat-based diet for individuals with metabolic syndrome. Multiple news sources, including Hacker News, reported that participants in the study experienced a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and other positive effects from consuming 300 grams of oatmeal per day as part of a calorie-reduced diet, compared to a control group on a different calorie-reduced diet. This research revisits a historical approach to managing metabolic disorders, demonstrating the pronounced positive effects of oats on individuals at risk of diabetes.
Separately, Nature News reported on corrections to a Nature article published on April 9, 2025, concerning the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition in the central Mediterranean. The corrections addressed errors in radiocarbon date uncertainties and phase model boundaries within the supplementary information. The authors stated that these adjustments were scientifically prudent but had minimal impact on the overall study results, which continue to align with the established consensus on the timing of the Neolithic transition in the region.
Additional scientific advancements reported by Nature News include developments in AI world models, such as Google DeepMind's Project Genie, and genetic autism research identifying convergent pathways. Northwestern University also successfully used an artificial lung to bridge a patient to transplant, keeping a critically ill patient alive for 48 hours until a lung transplant could be performed.
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