I think this will yield interesting results (pain, tooth, cancer)

[Brian.Pearson]

The naked mole rat's capacity to resist cancer and maintain protein integrity in the face of oxidative damage makes it an ideal animal model for aging and biomedical research, Dr. Buffenstein said. "Deciphering the animal's genetic blueprint is an important step to unlocking the keys to the naked mole rat's extraordinary longevity," she said. "This study reveals many of the genetic secrets to their extraordinary longevity, cancer resistance and pain tolerance, and their ability to survive in a low-oxygen environment. Indeed, having this animal's genetic blueprint is a treasure trove for many areas of biology and medicine because the genome will now be available to scientists everywhere to explore in their favored research area."


Barshop Institute Director Arlan Richardson, Ph.D., said: "The data in this Nature paper are very important for aging research because they give us the first glimpse into how the naked mole rat lives 10 times longer than its distant cousins, the mouse and rat."



Unusual appearance
Naked mole rats resemble pink, saber-toothed "sausages." Previous studies have yielded important insights into how the naked mole rat is able to rewire its brain (a process called neural plasticity), tolerate low oxygen and low body temperatures, and show cancer-free good health well into old age.

[Six Foot Three]

I imagine that they must have very active Sirtuin proteins since we know that calorie restriction activates these for all other life forms of longevity tested so far

[Brian.Pearson]

Originally Posted by 6 Foot 3

I imagine that they must have very active Sirtuin proteins since we know that calorie restriction activates these for all other life forms of longevity tested so far

It seems I didn't post a link, so here it is.

BTW, I can't decide whether the critter is cute or ugly...