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Experts discover gene that may prolong lifespan by 60%

Thursday, 05 February 2015 7:54 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 05 February 2015 7:54 AM ]

The file photo of a fruit fly

If you had the choice, would you like to live until you are 120 years old? If the answer is yes, then there is good news for you.

Researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland believe they have found a gene that can extend the lifespan by 60 percent.

The extra gene, called ahuizotl, or 'azot,' is thought to kill unhealthy cells in the body. At the moment, the experiment is limited to fruit flies, which have just been given their third round of gene treatment.

When the researchers from the Bern University gave the flies the gene, they noticed that the insects' tissues became healthier and aged more slowly. Researchers believe that this could also work for human bodies.

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