LONDON, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Some 538 genes that play a role in intellectual ability have been identified by a team of international researchers, according to a study released Monday by the University of Edinburgh.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, University of Southampton, and Harvard University have compared variation in DNA in more than 240,000 people from around the world. The study was aimed at finding out which genes are associated with intelligence.

The team not only identified 538 genes related to intellectual ability, but also found 187 regions in the human genome that are linked to thinking skills.

Meanwhile, some genes linked to intelligence are also associated with living longer, according to the study which has been published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

It is known that environment and genes both contribute to the differences observed in people's intelligence, said one of the authors Professor Ian Deary from the University of Edinburgh.

"This study adds to what we know about which genes influence intelligence, and suggests that health and intelligence are related in part because some of the same genes influence them, "said Professor Ian Deary.