Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Jonathan’s Genetic Secrets Offer Clues to Exceptional Longevity
Jonathan is a giant tortoise who is 194 years old.
Scientists studied his DNA to learn more about how he has lived so long.
They found traits that may help repair DNA and protect cells.
They also looked at chemical tags attached to DNA.
Some tags linked to mitochondria, which help cells make energy, looked more like those of younger animals.
The scientists think this could offer clues about ageing.
But they have not proved that these traits caused Jonathan to live so long.
They say more research is needed.
Researchers analysed DNA from Jonathan, a 194-year-old giant tortoise believed to be the oldest living land animal.
The study, published in Science Advances, identified genetic traits linked to DNA repair, metabolism and cellular protection.
Researchers collected cheek cells for DNA analysis; they did not draw blood because of concerns for Jonathan’s health and status.
Methylation patterns linked to Jonathan’s mitochondria resembled those seen in much younger animals.
The researchers said more study is needed to determine whether youthful mitochondria can actively slow ageing.
- Who
- Jonathan, a 194-year-old giant tortoise, and an international research team.
- What
- Researchers analysed Jonathan’s DNA and found genetic and chemical-tag patterns associated with ageing and cellular function.
- When
- The study was published recently in Science Advances; no publication date is stated.
- Where
- Jonathan lives at Plantation House on Saint Helena; he was born in the Seychelles.
- Why
- The team studied Jonathan to investigate biological clues that may help explain longevity and ageing.
Potential significance
Limits of the evidence
What Jonathan’s biology may reveal
Potential significance
The researchers found genetic traits related to DNA repair, metabolism and cellular protection, as well as mitochondria-related chemical tags resembling those of younger animals.
Limits of the evidence
The team said the findings are an early step and cannot establish that these traits explain Jonathan’s exceptional lifespan or actively slow ageing.
- Age
- 194 years old
- Birth
- Seychelles, 1832
- Current home
- The gardens of Plantation House on Saint Helena
- Arrival at Saint Helena
- 1882
- Research material
- Cells collected from inside Jonathan’s cheek
- Publication
- Science Advances
- Key finding
- Mitochondria-related DNA methylation patterns resembled those of much younger animals
- Research caveat
- The findings do not prove that youthful mitochondria caused Jonathan’s longevity