Science

Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity

The Guardian Science · 7 October 2026 at 19:00

Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity

DNA analysis of oldest living land animal reveal patterns on genes that appear to protect functioning of mitochondria The ancient quest to extend human lifespan has received a boost after scientists analysed the genetic code of the world’s oldest living land animal, a giant tortoise called Jonathan.

The tortoise, which lives in the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, is believed to be 194 years old, making him a contemporary of Queen Victoria and Charles Darwin.

Read the full article on The Guardian Science ›

5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.theguardian.com — the content belongs to The Guardian Science.

Jonathan the giant tortoise, 194, offers up insight into secrets of longevity

More from The Guardian Science

Astronomers detect mysterious burst of energy from a galaxy far, far away

Covid, Brexit and Liz Truss mini-budget led to lasting decline in mental health, study finds

Teenager becomes first person to have testicular tissue transplant in UK

Margaret Hamilton, trailblazer whose software powered Apollo 11 moon landing, dies aged 90

More in Science

BBC Inside Science

BBC on Hurricane Isaias and its expected Gulf Coast landfall

'Mouth of Hell' volcano is waking up: Scientists warn magma is building beneath one of Earth's most dangerous craters

More than 800,000 hours of sewage spills in Wales last year, report claims

Astronomers detect mysterious burst of energy from a galaxy far, far away

First Hurricane of the Atlantic season due to hit the Gulf coast