New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- A new study investigating the extraordinary longevity of the naked mole-rat has identified an evolved DNA repair mechanism unique to the species. These bizarre, burrow-dwelling rodents boast a maximum lifespan of nearly 40 years, making them the world's longest-lived rodent known to science.

The findings, recently published in the journal Science, offer potential insights into why naked mole-rats exhibit remarkable resistance to a wide spectrum of age-related illnesses. The animals are naturally immune to cancer, exhibit no measurable deterioration of the brain and spinal cord, and are resistant to arthritis. This unique resilience has made them a subject of intense scientific scrutiny.

The research, led by a team ...