The secret to longer life may be hidden in bat DNA
Long-lived bats appear to combine powerful immune defenses with unusual strategies for eliminating damaged cells, potentially helping them avoid cancer and disease for decades. Researchers hope these genetic tricks could eventually reveal new ways to protect human health during aging.
Researchers believe that the secret to a longer life may be hidden in the DNA of bats. According to ScienceDaily, some bat species can survive for remarkably long periods relative to their body size, and scientists are studying their genetic makeup to understand the reasons behind their longevity.
A team led by Juan Manuel Vazquez collected tissue samples from bats in the Western U.S. and analyzed the genomes of eight Myotis species, which include some with exceptionally long lifespans. One Brandt's myotis was reportedly recaptured 50 years after being banded in Europe.
The study found a strong connection between lifespan and immune function in bats, with longer-lived bats having higher levels of genes associated with fighting cancer, as reported by ScienceDaily Health and ScienceDaily. This suggests that a powerful immune system may help bats avoid cancer and disease for decades.
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- The secret to longer life may be hidden in bat DNA sciencedaily.com
