Scientists Sequenced Genome of 194-Year-Old Tortoise
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, to uncover secrets of extreme longevity.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of Jonathan, a 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise living on the island of St. Helena. The study offers new insights into aging by comparing the reptile's genetic traits to those of much younger tortoises.
Why it matters
Understanding the unique genetic factors behind Jonathan's extreme lifespan helps researchers identify biological mechanisms involved in aging. These findings provide a new comparative model for studying longevity in other species, including humans.
The study analyzed DNA collected via a cheek swab from the 400-pound tortoise. Researchers focused on comparing Jonathan's epigenome and mitochondrial control switches against younger counterparts and species like the 40-year-old naked mole rat.
The players
Jonathan the tortoise
He is a 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise residing on the remote island of St. Helena.
UCLA
This university served as a primary research institution involved in the genomic sequencing project.
University of Cologne
This academic institution provided expertise and oversight during the peer-reviewed research process.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
This institution contributed academic research support to the international team studying the tortoise genome.
The details
Published in Science Advances, the research reveals that Jonathan possesses age-related epigenetic changes similar to humans alongside genes shared with naked mole rats. DNA samples were collected by a veterinarian and transported by boat for analysis by an international team of researchers.
Timeline
Jonathan is estimated to have been born around 1832.
Guinness World Records officially recognized the tortoise in June 2026.
The genomic results were formally announced on October 7, 2026.
The Big Picture
This study follows a pattern set by the comparative longevity studies of naked mole rats to explain aging mechanisms in long-lived species. By mapping the genome of such an outlier, researchers have unlocked a new paradigm for understanding how specific epigenetic markers influence life expectancy.
While the study does not offer immediate medical treatments, it provides a foundation for future breakthroughs in understanding human cellular aging. This research could eventually influence the development of therapies targeting age-related decline by identifying preserved mitochondrial functions.
The takeaway
Longevity research often relies on extreme outliers to identify genetic blueprints for healthy aging. Learning from animals like Jonathan helps scientists map the complex relationship between epigenetics and life duration.
What happens next
Researchers intend to perform further genomic analyses on additional Aldabra giant tortoises and other long-lived species to validate these initial aging indicators.
Further reading
Discover more about ongoing genetic research in Life Sciences.
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