This switch to a defensive state may be controlled by longevity genes (see below).

Genome-wide identification of conserved longevity genes in yeast and worms.

A longevity gene, even one that works in worms, might give clues as to how to make people live longer, too.

Evolutionary biologists have strong theoretical reasons for doubting the existence of any longevity gene.

But, he said, that requires that if longevity genes exist, they are common among centenarians.

Another project is looking for longevity genes by collecting family histories and blood samples.

If you have longevity genes, well, lucky you.

They had shared an environment with someone with longevity genes, though they were unlikely to have them themselves.

Ultimately, the company hopes to identify a number of longevity genes, figure out how they work and create drugs that mimic their actions.

This has inspired genetic researchers to begin examining the turtle genome for longevity genes.