A potential 'Elixir of life' may be on the horizon, thanks to a longevity gene found in naked mole rats!

Researchers from Tongji University in Shanghai, China found that a protein involved in naked mole rats’ DNA repair does not cause damage like the same protein with a similar function in humans. In the latter, the protein "sabotages" the DNA mending process, causing cancer and shortening lifespan. However, in naked mole rats, the exact same protein ensures the genetic information in each cell remains intact while repairing strands of DNA. What this means is it keeps illnesses at bay!

When this particular protein from the rats was introduced into flies and mice, it helped minimize the genetic damage caused by ageing, leading to a longer lifespan.

These findings suggest that the disease resistance of the rodent family could lead to breakthroughs in anti-ageing, enabling humans to live long, age well, and prosper.