Ozzy's DNA: Researchers wonder why he's still alive

Scientists seek clues from the hard-living rocker's genes about the relationship between genetics and environment

Published July 1, 2010 4:50PM (EDT)

FILE - In this June 15, 1997 file photo, Ozzy Osbourne performs with Black Sabbath during the Ozzfest concert at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, file)   (AP)
FILE - In this June 15, 1997 file photo, Ozzy Osbourne performs with Black Sabbath during the Ozzfest concert at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, file) (AP)

Alcohol and drug abuse has killed too many rock stars to mention, but at 61, Ozzy Osbourne is going strong.

Now DNA researchers in St. Louis say they're part of a team working to determine why decades of substance abuse didn't take down the Prince of Darkness.

Jon Armstrong is chief marketing officer for St. Louis-based Cofactor Genomics. He said Wednesday that Osbourne has asked a Massachusetts human genomics company to map his DNA. Cofactor is partnering in the effort.

Armstrong says the mapping may not offer definitive answers about the longtime Black Sabbath front man's relative longevity. But it could help understanding of the relationship between DNA and the environment.

Osbourne didn't return messages seeking comment left with his agent and his wife's management company.


By Associated Press

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