{
  "id": 12691283,
  "title": "Scientists discover the genetic secrets that may have helped Jonathan the tortoise live to 194 years old",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/scientists-discover-the-genetic-secrets-that-may-have-helped-jonathan",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-07T19:05:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/animals/turtles-tortoises/scientists-discover-the-genetic-secrets-that-may-have-helped-jonathan-the-tortoise-live-to-194-years-old"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena is home to Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, who has surpassed the expected lifespan of an Aldabra giant tortoise by almost a century. Scientists have recently identified several unique genetic and epigenetic traits that may contribute to Jonathan's remarkable longevity. The study, published in Science Advances, examined Jonathan's genes and the chemical tags (epigenetic markers) that control gene activation.\n\nJonathan's genes associated with mitochondrial function were in excellent condition, suggesting a significant role in his longevity. Mitochondrial dysfunction is often linked to disease, but Jonathan's case offers new insights into the relationship between longevity and mitochondrial health. The research was led by Stephen Clark, chief scientist of the Kallel Foundation, a nonprofit focused on drug targets to promote human longevity.\n\nIn 2017, researchers gathered samples from Jonathan using cheek swabs, after being denied permission to collect blood due to infection risks. When the samples arrived in the U.S., it was discovered that the DNA had been isolated from bacteria in Jonathan's mouth rather than his cells. The researchers were able to obtain more samples through cheek scrapes, which contained the actual tortoise DNA.\n\nThe study compared Jonathan's genetic makeup to that of two other tortoises, Tank, aged 36, and Lonesome George, who died at around 100 years old. Jonathan carried 287 unique variants of genes linked to aging-related pathways, including those involved in DNA repair and telomere function. Similar pathways are also implicated in aging processes in humans.\n\nThe researchers also analyzed epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which can act as a biological age clock. In most genes, Jonathan's DNA methylation patterns were more disordered than those of younger tortoises. However, in genes related to mitochondrial function, Jonathan exhibited more organized methylation patterns, which may help maintain consistent gene expression and contribute to his long life.",
  "summary": "DNA samples from Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise reveal gene variants and epigenetic changes that could contribute to his remarkable lifespan.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jonathan, world's oldest land animal, lived 194 years on St. Helena",
    "Unique genetic traits, including mitochondrial function, linked to longevity",
    "Epigenetic markers show disordered methylation in most genes, organized in mitochondria"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yale Environment 360",
        "title": "Jonathan, a 192-Year-Old Giant Tortoise, Holds Insights for Aging Well",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/jonathan-a-192-year-old-giant-tortoise-holds-insights-for-aging-well",
        "published": "2026-10-07T18:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Scientific American",
        "title": "Scientists unlock the longevity secrets of 194-year-old Jonathan the giant tortoise",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/scientists-unlock-the-longevity-secrets-of-194-year-old-jonathan-the",
        "published": "2026-10-07T18:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Science",
        "title": "Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/jonathan-the-giant-tortoise-194-offers-up-insight-into-secrets-of",
        "published": "2026-10-07T18:00:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}