■ United States
Longevity to be studied
Kuakini Medical Center of Honolulu has won a US$1.5 million grant to study the genetic, diet, and lifestyle factors behind the longevity enjoyed by Hawaii's Japanese-American men. The new grant is the first to look specifically at genes that affect lifespan. The researchers want to study those born in 1915 or before to see what differentiates them from ordinary people in society who die on average at 77 and younger. A preliminary look at data shows the long-lived study volunteers had lower blood sugar and better cholesterol levels, drank more green tea and weighed less than others their age. The team leader said about 30 to 40 percent of the men can walk up to 800m with no difficulty, have strong hand-grip strength and high cognitive function. About 1,300 or 1,400 of the original group are still alive -- the oldest is 105; the youngest 85.
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