The naked mole rat might look like a creepy, little, subterranean rodent, but according to a new study, it could hold the secret to living longer. The species lives far longer than scientists would predict because of a particular gene and that gene has now been transferred to another mammal.
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00:04 This is a naked mole rat, and while it might simply look like a creepy little subterranean
00:08 rodent, it could hold the secret to living longer.
00:11 The species lives far longer than scientists would predict, up to 30 years.
00:15 That's five times longer than a creature its size should, especially considering its harsh
00:19 lifestyle underground.
00:21 Researchers were able to previously isolate one of the genes they believed was responsible,
00:25 called hyaluronan synthase 2, which produces high molecular mass hyaluronic acid, or HMMHA.
00:33 Scientists have now bred mice to possess this gene in a lab, and it has extended their lives
00:37 as well.
00:39 Researchers found that mice with the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene lived some 4.4% longer than
00:44 their control group.
00:45 But that's not all.
00:46 They also showed more resilience against multiple types of cancer, had less inflammation, and
00:50 healthier gut microbiomes as they aged, meaning many of the traditional signs of aging weren't
00:55 observed as the mice got old.
00:57 The researchers say this is a proof of principle, and that the naked mole rat's longevity can
01:01 be passed to other mammals, with the researchers writing, "Our next goal is to transfer this
01:06 benefit to humans."
01:08 -Dr. J.D.
01:09 Kim, PhD, PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Washington, D.C.
01:09 (upbeat music)
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