How Bowhead Whales Stay Young for Centuries

Bowhead whales are amazing creatures. They live in the cold Arctic waters. These whales are the longest-living mammals on Earth. Some can live up to 268 years! That's way longer than any human.

Scientists' Discoveries

Scientists have been studying these whales. They found something interesting. Bowhead whales are really good at fixing damaged DNA. This helps them stay healthy for a very long time. Researchers think this could teach us about human longevity.

A team of scientists led by Vera Gorbunova and Andrei Seluanov did a study. They found that bowhead whales have special proteins. These proteins help repair damage in their cells. The scientists think similar changes could help humans live longer too.

Size and Fascinating Traits

The whales are not just long-lived; they are also huge. A bowhead can weigh as much as three garbage trucks. This makes them one of the largest animals on Earth. Their size and longevity make them fascinating to study.

Broader Research

The scientists are not just studying whales. They also look at other long-lived animals like bats and naked mole rats. They believe that understanding these animals can help us learn more about aging. This could lead to better health for humans in the future.