Last month we wrote about the challenging search for genetic influences on human longevity, touching on two of the most recent studies as examples of how elusive solid findings have been. Here, we review the latest genetic findings on longevity and conduct follow-up analyses in the 23andMe database. What we found indicates there's still a long way to go in defining a predictive genetic model for longevity.

Early explorers searched the globe for the mythical “fountain of youth,” and now scientists are turning that exploration inward to look at the genomes of people who’ve lived especially long lives. But studies on the genetic and non-genetic factors impacting longevity have turned up mixed results, and the latest studies looking at the genetic factors lead to more questions than answers.

SNPwatch gives you the latest news about research linking various traits and conditions to individual genetic variations. These studies are exciting because they offer a glimpse into how genetics may...