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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Health
Georgia Bates

Sloth genes could unlock secrets to healthy ageing and space travel, study finds

A pioneering study has uncovered a unique genetic characteristic in sloths that could unlock secrets to healthy ageing and metabolic efficiency, with potential implications for human health and even long-duration space travel.

In a scientific first, researchers have successfully sequenced and analysed the genome of the tree-dwelling mammal, identifying specific "jumping genes" – DNA sequences capable of relocating within the genome – that have been remarkably preserved over millions of years.

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