A gene which helps explain the mystery of why eating significantly fewer calories prolongs longevity has been discovered, according to scientists.
Previous research has repeatedly shown that by reducing calorie intake by 60 per cent, a human can live up to 40 per cent longer.
A team at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, have found a gene in nematode worms that may shed light on the effect.
Humans have three genes which are similar and researchers hope that they could develop drugs which mimic the results of restricting calories without making people stick to the sometimes punishing regime.
"This is the first gene we have found that is absolutely essential to the longevity response to dietary restriction," said Dr Andrew Dillin, an author of the paper.
"We finally have genetic evidence to unravel the underlying molecular programme required for increased longevity in response to calorie restriction."
Since the first benefits were shown in the 1930s, some people have followed a diet of calorie restriction in order to improve health and extend life.
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