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Can we protect human mitochondria?

Scientists are studying Jonathan the tortoise's genes to understand how his mitochondria stay youthful. While the research is promising, they stress that the link to his long life still needs testing. If successful, this could inform human longevity studies, but protecting human mitochondria is a complex challenge with no immediate answers.

Stories that explain this

Secrets of a 194-Year-Old Tortoise's Long Life Revealed

Questions this opens up

Are there human longevity studies? What is mitochondrial medicine? How do genes protect mitochondria?

Related explainers

Could humans live longer? What are mitochondria? How do mitochondria get damaged? What does DNA analysis show? How old is the oldest animal? How do tortoises defy ageing? What about human doctors? How do AI firms protect us?

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