The bowhead whale is a magnificent creature of the Arctic. It can live for more than 200 years, making it one of the longest-living mammals on Earth. For scientists, the whale's long and healthy life was a big puzzle. How could an animal so large avoid diseases like cancer for so long?
Researchers decided to look for answers in the whale's DNA. They compared the bowhead’s genes to other mammals. They wanted to find what was different. Their goal was to understand the genetic 'tricks' that allowed these whales to live for centuries in such a demanding environment.
They found a special gene known as ERI1. At first, they thought this gene only helped the whale adapt to the freezing Arctic waters. The gene helps control how the whale's cells make proteins, which is very important for saving energy in the cold. But this was only half the story.
The scientists discovered the gene had a second, crucial function. It also played a key role in repairing damaged DNA. This ability to fix its own cells is what gives the whale its amazing resilience against age-related illnesses. The same gene that protected it from the cold also protected it from disease.
This insight has excited scientists. They are now studying if a similar mechanism could be encouraged in human cells. The bowhead whale's genetic secret might one day help us find new ways to fight diseases and improve human health during aging.