00:00This is a naked mole rat, and while it might simply look like a creepy little subterranean rodent, it could hold the secret to living longer.
00:11The species lives far longer than scientists would predict, up to 30 years.
00:15That's five times longer than a creature its size should, especially considering its harsh lifestyle underground.
00:21Researchers were able to previously isolate one of the genes they believed was responsible, called Hyaluronon synthase 2,
00:27which produces high molecular mass, hyaluronic acid, or HMMHA.
00:33Scientists have now bred mice to possess this gene in a lab, and it has extended their lives as well.
00:38Researchers found that mice with the Hyaluronon synthase 2 gene lived some 4.4% longer than their control group.
00:45But that's not all.
00:46They also showed more resilience against multiple types of cancer, had less inflammation, and healthier gut microbiomes as they aged,
00:53meaning many of the traditional signs of aging weren't observed as the mice got old.
00:57The researchers say this is a proof of principle, and that the naked mole rat's longevity can be passed to other mammals,
01:03with the researchers writing, quote,
01:05Our next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans.
Comments