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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Rebecca Whittaker

The world’s oldest tortoise could hold the secret to longer life for humans

Jonathan, 194-year-old giant tortoise, at his home on St. Helena - (Courtesy St. Helena Government Communication Hub)

The DNA from the world’s oldest tortoise may hold the secret to human ageing, as scientists say the animal’s super genes could lead to treatments that slow decline.

Jonathan, the 194-year-old giant tortoise, hatched in about 1832 in the Seychelles and is thought to be the oldest land animal.

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