At 194 years old, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise is the world’s oldest known land animal. He lives on the remote island of St. Helena, 1,200 miles off Africa’s west coast. In June, after being erroneously declared dead by some media, the Guinness World Records honored him. On Wednesday, a study in *Science Advances* announced his genome had been sequenced for the first time.
Dr. Joe Hollins, a veterinarian, obtained the DNA via cheek swab, avoiding a blood sample due to infection risk. The sample had to travel by boat because the island has only one weekly commercial flight. Scientists compared Jonathan’s genome with younger tortoises and found molecular differences in genes for DNA repair and telomere maintenance.
The results suggest the species may be resilient to age-related decline, but more testing is needed. Jonathan also shares genes with other long-living species like naked mole rats. Epigenome analysis showed age-related changes similar to older humans. Researchers are eager to study an animal this old while still alive, unlocking secrets about aging.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing