This whale lives for centuries: its secret could help extend human lifespan

Researchers have discovered a cold-activated protein that helps repair damaged DNA in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), contributing to their exceptionally long lifespan of over 200 years. This finding was published on October 29th in Nature and could provide insights into extending human longevity. The study, which analyzed whale cells, revealed a highly effective DNA-repair mechanism that enhances genome stability, potentially offering strategies for improving human healthspan. Bowhead whales are challenging subjects due to their size and endangered status, but tissue samples from Alaskan hunts facilitated this research. When the protein was expressed in human cells, it improved their ability to repair DNA damage.

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