A slower epigenetic clock is the reason why humans live longer than chimps
Information on DNA methylation and clocks.
Over the last two centuries, breakthroughs in medicine and improved nutrition have led to a dramatic increase in the average lifespan of humans. It’s important to note that many people lived long lives before modern medicine. Humans could have lived to their 70s and 80s as long as they avoided diseases, wars and other dangers that can lead to an untimely demise. This was true even in ancient Rome.
Humans are unique among primates in their longevity. Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives and they rarely live past 50 years old, despite sharing over 99% our DNA. Researchers believe they have found the secret to our longevity: chemical changes in our genome around 7-8million years ago, when our ancestors diverged from chimps.
Slower ticker
Tens of thousands genes are present in the human genome. However, that does not mean they are all active. Through the methylation DNA at certain locations in the genetic sequence, for example, genes can be locked into the \”off\” state. These epigenetic modifications (‘epi means ‘above in Greek) do not alter DNA sequences but rather regulate gene activity.
Source:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/humans-live-longer-chimps-043242/
