Happiness gene has been discovered

Those with two sets of the gene - one from each parent - are almost twice as likely to say they are satisfied with life, compared to those who lack a copy.

The research reported on by the UK's Press Association found out a strong link between the '5-HTT' gene and happiness by analysing genetic data from more than 2,500 participants.

They were asked 'how satisfied are you with your life as a whole?' and the answers were compared with each genetic type.

The result revealed that those who inherit two 'long' variants of the 5-HTT gene tended to be happiest, with 17 per cent more than average being 'very satisfied' with life.

For those with just one 'long' 5-HTT gene, the chance of being 'very satisfied' was 8.5 per cent higher. People with two 'short' genes tended to be least happy.