Jonathan, you fascinating old bastard.
So why has Jonathan lived so long? An analysis of cheek scrapings has found that he is unusually blessed with good genes — not just genes that encode for good health, but genes that resist the wear and tear.
Jonathan bears dozens of genetic variants that help him combat aging by curbing inflammation, regulating insulin, and warding off cancer. But also, his genes are uncommonly good at repairing themselves, according to the research, which was published in Science Advances.
Jonathan, a 192-Year-Old Giant Tortoise, Holds Insights for Aging Welle360.yale.edu