Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Bowhead whale genome sequenced

A whale that can live over 200 years with little evidence of age-related disease may provide untapped insights into how to live a long and healthy life. Researchers present in a new report the complete bowhead whale genome and identify key differences compared to other mammals. Alterations in bowhead genes related to cell division, DNA repair, cancer, and aging may have helped increase its longevity and cancer resistance.-link


A mammal that appears to live for multiple centuries,and some have said may exhibit negligible senescence, has been sequenced.    This data will help elucidate what modifications are necessary to attain extreme longevity.