Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Jonathan the tortoise’s genes may offer clues to healthy aging
Researchers found aging-related genetic defenses in Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be 194 years old.
He has lived on the South Atlantic island of St Helena since arriving from the Seychelles in 1882.
A team studied his DNA and epigenome, the system of switches that helps control which genes are active.
Compared with younger giant tortoises, Jonathan had similar patterns in switches linked to DNA repair and metabolism.
The team also identified 287 gene variants involved in DNA repair, inflammation, insulin regulation and cancer suppression.
These findings may help researchers investigate treatments for human aging, though no treatment has been developed from this work.
The study was published in Science Advances on October 7, 2026.
Researchers identified 287 unique gene variants in Jonathan, the giant tortoise, that may help protect against some effects of aging.
A study also found that gene controls involved in DNA repair and metabolism remained similar to those of younger tortoises.
The findings could offer clues for research into human treatments for aging.
Jonathan is estimated to be 194 years old and is described as the world’s oldest living land animal.
The study was published in Science Advances on October 7, 2026.
- Who
- Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, and a research team led by the nonprofit Kallel.
- What
- Researchers identified 287 unique gene variants and stable gene-control patterns linked to DNA repair and metabolism.
- When
- The study was published on October 7, 2026. Jonathan is estimated to be 194 years old.
- Where
- Jonathan lives on St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic.
- Why
- Researchers investigated the biology behind his longevity and hope the findings may offer clues for human treatments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jonathan hatched.
Jonathan arrived on St. Helena from the Seychelles as a gift to the governor.
The study of Jonathan’s DNA and epigenome was published in Science Advances.
- Estimated age
- 194 years
- Unique gene variants
- 287
- Current home
- St. Helena
- Study journal
- Science Advances
- Study publication date
- October 7, 2026
What people are saying
We found that the gene regulators involved in energy production and DNA repair have remained incredibly stable in Jonathan over almost two centuries.
There are few creatures that could tell us more about aging than the giant tortoises of the Galapagos and Seychelles islands.
Sources
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