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What is keeping the world’s oldest tortoise going at 194?
Researchers say Jonathan’s genes show little wear and tear, helping the 194-year-old tortoise remain the world’s oldest living land animal.
- Researchers identified unique gene variants in Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be 194 years old, explaining his status as the world's oldest living land animal.
- Jonathan arrived on the island of St Helena 144 years ago as a gift to the governor, Sir William Grey-Wilson, and has resided at Plantation House ever since.
- Scientists discovered that Jonathan's DNA repair and metabolism genes remain remarkably similar to those of much younger tortoises, preventing typical biological wear and tear of aging.
- This genetic blueprint offers researchers a deeper understanding of cellular resilience, potentially aiding efforts to develop treatments for age-related human diseases.
- Living on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory, Jonathan remains a contemporary of Charles Darwin, serving as a unique living testament to his species' endurance.
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left1Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Center
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center
C 66%
R 27%
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