Scientists link gene to lifespan

Findings may offer new ways to affect human immunity, resistance

LONDON - British scientists studying the genetics of ageing said on Thursday that experiments on laboratory worms showed that a specific gene is strongly linked to lifespan, immunity and disease resistance.

Since the gene, called DAF-16 in worms, is found in many animals and in humans, the finding could open up new ways to affect ageing, immunity and resistance in humans, the scientists said.