DNA holds key to why some smokers remain healthy

The mystery of why some people seem to have healthy lungs despite a lifetime of smoking has been explained by UK scientists, according to a story by James Gallagher for BBC News.

Many, but not all, smokers will develop lung disease, but so too will some who have never touched a cigarette in their lives.

A study involving more than 50,000 people showed that favorable mutations in people’s DNA enhanced lung function and masked the deadly impact of smoking.

The Medical Research Council scientists said the findings could lead to new drugs to improve lung function, but that not smoking would always be the best option.

The full story is at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34360865.