The Tortoise That Lived to 194

Scientists studying the secret behind the longevity of a giant tortoise named Jonathan have identified important biological mechanisms that may be relevant to research on aging.

Experts from the “Kallel” organization compared Jonathan’s epigenetic characteristics with those of younger tortoises and identified 287 genes associated with DNA repair, regulation of inflammatory processes, insulin metabolism, and protection against cancer.

The study paid particular attention to epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene activity — essentially acting as biological “switches.” While many animals develop age-related changes over time, Jonathan was found to maintain greater stability in these mechanisms.

Researchers believe that studying such rare natural mechanisms could open new possibilities for preventing age-related diseases. However, they also caution that the traits identified in the tortoise cannot be immediately or directly applied to humans.