Key points from article :
Individuals who had more germline mutations, or those could be passed on to their children, were found to have shorter lifespans.
People who had germline mutation rates in the lowest 25th percentile lived for approximately 4.7 years longer.
The DNA in our bodies is regularly damaged, and as we age our ability to fix these problems wanes.
Therefore, parents who are older are more likely to pass on mutations to their children.
Team uncovered a link between fertility in women and mutations.
Found no association between germline mutations and the risk of cancer.
"The ability to determine when aging starts, how long women can stay fertile, and how long people can live is an exciting possibility." - Richard Cawthon, lead author.
"We could possibly find ways to fix ourselves and live longer and better lives." - Lynn B. Jorde, co-author.
"It will be important to repeat the study in larger cohorts,"- Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease.
"I certainly think that everyone will have their genome sequenced in the not-too-distant future."
Research by University of Utah published in the Journal Scientific reports.
