Scientists have discovered the gene FOXO3A which is known for increasing life span in other species and now may also be responsible for good health in the humans and thus increase the life span beyond 100 years.

In the humans, FOXO genes are present in four forms but its form FOXO3A is associated with giving better health and longevity.

“We screened 213 of the long-lived participants' DNA and 402 of the average lived focusing on five genes in the insulin pathway. We calculated how the DNA bases found at three locations of each gene were correlated with health criteria including chronic diseases, disability and insulin levels,” said National Academy of Science scientist Bradley Willcox.

The biological samples of more than 8000 people in Hawaii were analyzed and the findings were published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Leading scientist Bradley Willcox said, “We screened 213 of the long-lived participants' DNA and 402 of the average lived focusing on five genes in the insulin pathway,”

He further added, “We calculated how the DNA bases found at three locations of each gene were correlated with health criteria including chronic diseases, disability and insulin levels.” There are four types of base proteins located at the different parts of chromosomes in the DNA of persons and the locations of these proteins are responsible for the different traits in humans.

Those having guanine in one chromosome have twice the chance of reaching the age between 98-106 years where as those having on both chromosomes had thrice the chance.