Israeli scientists are reporting the results of new research suggesting beer may help boost longevity, Newsmax Health reports.

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered certain kinds of yeast share many significant genetic similarities with humans and that alcohol lengthens what are called "telomeres" — the end points of chromosomal DNA, implicated in aging and cancer.

To reach their conclusions that alcohol can lengthen telomeres, the TAU researchers scanned 6,000 strains of the yeast, each with a different gene deactivated. They then conducted genetic tests on the strains with the longest and shortest telomeres, revealing that two genes — known as Rap1 and Rif1 — are the main players involved in telomere length.

The research expands on a 2004 study suggesting emotional stress causes the shortening of the telomeres characteristic of aging, presumably by generating free radicals in the cells. The researchers grew yeast cells in conditions that generate free radicals to test the effect on telomere length. They were surprised to find that the length did not change.

They then exposed the yeast cells to 12 other environmental stressors and found they had no effect on telomere length. But exposure to a 5-to-7 percent ethanol solution lengthened telomeres, while a low concentration of caffeine — similar to the amount found in a shot of espresso — shortened telomeres.

Scientists suggest, "Try to relax and drink a little coffee and a little beer."