Scientists have discovered a new gene responsible for good health in humans increasing their life span beyond 100 years.
The gene FOXO3A is known for increasing life span in other species but it is for the first time it has been linked to humans.
FOXO genes are present in four forms in humans but its form FOXO3A is being associated with better health and longevity.
The findings, published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are based on the analysis of biological samples of more than 8000 people in Hawaii.
"We screened 213 of the long-lived participants' DNA and 402 of the average lived focusing on five genes in the insulin pathway," said lead scientist Bradley Willcox.
DNA of a person comprises four types of base proteins located at different parts of chromosomes. The location of these proteins is responsible for different traits in humans.
"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," he added.
People with higher age group had the base protein thymine substituted by guanine at a particular location of the chromosome.
It was found that those having guanine in one chromosome were twice likely to reach between 98-106 years and those having on both chromosomes had thrice the chance of reaching that age group.
The specimens have been stored by Kuakini Medical Centre, Honolulu during last 43 years period when these people came for their periodic health check up.