Genes more than lifestyle determine longevity

 　　BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- A study conducted by Israeli researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York shows that genes², rather than good eating and lifestyle habits, determine longevity³, according to media reports Friday.

　　"This study suggests that centenarians may possess additional longevity genes that help to buffer⁴ them against the harmful effects of an unhealthy lifestyle," said senior author Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

　　The study involves 477 Ashkenazi Jews between the ages of 95 and 122, of whom 75 percent are women.

　　According to the study, Ashkenazi Jews are chosen as subjects because they are more "genetically⁵ uniform than other populations, making it easier to spot gene¹ differences that are present."

　　The study also found that the long-lived Ashkenazi Jews drank slightly more and exercised less than their average counterparts.

　　But Barzilai also warned: “Although this study demonstrates that centenarians can be obese⁶, smoke and avoid exercise, those lifestyle habits are not good choices for most of us who do not have a family history of longevity."

　　"We should watch our weight, avoid smoking and be sure to exercise, since these activities have been shown to have great health benefits for the general population, including a longer lifespan," He added.

1 gene   

n.遗传因子，基因

参考例句：

• A single gene may have many effects.单一基因可能具有很多种效应。
• The targeting of gene therapy has been paid close attention.其中基因治疗的靶向性是值得密切关注的问题之一。

2 genes   

n.基因( gene的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• You have good genes from your parents, so you should live a long time. 你从父母那儿获得优良的基因，所以能够活得很长。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Differences will help to reveal the functions of the genes. 它们间的差异将会帮助我们揭开基因多种功能。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 生物技术的世纪

3 longevity   

n.长命；长寿

参考例句：

• Good habits promote longevity.良好的习惯能增长寿命。
• Human longevity runs in families.人类的长寿具有家族遗传性。

4 buffer   

n.起缓冲作用的人(或物)，缓冲器；vt.缓冲

参考例句：

• A little money can be a useful buffer in time of need.在急需时，很少一点钱就能解燃眉之急。
• Romantic love will buffer you against life's hardships.浪漫的爱会减轻生活的艰辛。

5 genetically   

adv.遗传上

参考例句：

• All the bees in the colony are genetically related. 同一群体的蜜蜂都有亲缘关系。
• Genetically modified foods have already arrived on American dinner tables. 经基因改造加工过的食物已端上了美国人的餐桌。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 基因与食物

6 obese   

adj.过度肥胖的，肥大的

参考例句：

• The old man is really obese,it can't be healthy.那位老人确实过于肥胖了，不能算是健康。
• Being obese and lazy is dangerous to health.又胖又懒危害健康。