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Bradley Jay: 'Do You Want To Know How Long You Will Live?'

My name is Bradley Jay and I host the Jay Talking radio show which airs every Sunday evening at 10pm on WBZ NewsRadio 1030. Consider this:

Scientists have developed a new blood test that can give you a rough idea of the duration and quality of your life.

The test measures levels of small molecules called metabolites. The metabolite known as C-glyTrp is associated with future cholesterol levels, bone density, lung function, and blood pressure. So far a total of 22 metabolites have been found. The test may provide information on the likely length and quality of a person's life.

Professor Tim Spector, from King's College London, said: 'Scientists have known for a long time that a person's weight at the time of birth is an important determinant of health in middle and old age, and that people with low birth weight are more susceptible to age related diseases. 'So far the molecular mechanisms that link low birth weight to health or disease in old age had remained elusive, but this discovery has revealed one of the molecular pathways involved.'

Do you want to know in advance how long you are likely to live and what the quality of life will be, or would knowing be too stressful?

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