---
title: "Jonathan the tortoise's genome sequenced to study longevity"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity"
category: "Science & Tech"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-10-09T15:25:14.877Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-09T14:11:54.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-09T15:25:14.877Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 65
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-09T16:15:08.530205+00:00"
---

# Jonathan the tortoise's genome sequenced to study longevity

*Scientists analysed the DNA of the 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise, revealing genetic factors potentially linked to his extraordinary lifespan.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Two full reports and 90 sources provide evidence, but the central claim relies on anonymous sourcing.
- Craft 65 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is clear and well-supported, with good detail on the scientific findings.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and presentation suggest a definitive 'secret to longevity' rather than research findings.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is estimated to be 194 years old, making him the world's oldest known land animal.
- Scientists have sequenced Jonathan's genome and analysed his epigenome to understand the biological mechanisms behind his longevity.
- The study identified genetic changes in Jonathan associated with longevity, including improved DNA repair and telomere maintenance.
- Researchers found lower methylation entropy in specific gene regions controlling longevity in Jonathan compared to younger tortoises.

Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is believed to be approximately 194 years old. Scientists have sequenced his genome and analysed his epigenome, the chemical markers that control gene activity, to investigate the reasons for his exceptional longevity. The research, published in Science Advances, suggests his long life may be due to a combination of genetic traits and the ability of his cellular systems to function in a more youthful manner.

The study found modifications in Jonathan's genome related to pathways associated with longevity, such as DNA repair, mitochondrial function, insulin regulation, and telomere function. Researchers compared Jonathan's epigenome to that of four other Aldabra tortoises of varying ages. They observed that in certain DNA regions controlling longevity genes, Jonathan's methylation entropy was lower than all but one younger tortoise studied. Methylation entropy is an indicator of disorder in a biochemical process, and lower entropy in these regions suggests a more ordered, potentially more youthful, state.

In addition to epigenomic analysis, 287 genes with variants unique to Jonathan were identified. These include genes linked to tumour suppression and DNA repair. The tortoise also carries additional copies of a gene that encodes a protein known to target aged and cancerous cells. Researchers noted that while Jonathan has lived through significant historical events and is now mostly blind due to cataracts, he retains a good appetite.

## Disagreement on Jonathan's age

While most reports state Jonathan is 194 years old, one outlet reported his age as 192 years. Source 21 (Protothema) stated Jonathan is 192 years old, while Source 27 (news4health.gr) also stated he is 192 years old. Other reports, including Source 1 (Hot News) and Source 2 (CTV News), state he is 194 years old.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific details of Jonathan's diet or the environmental factors on St. Helena island that may contribute to his longevity, as reported in the full reports from Source 1 (Hot News) and Source 2 (CTV News). The full reports also noted that the study involved only one tortoise, making it difficult to definitively attribute his longevity solely to genetic traits.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 64 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 22% (14)
- Centre: 53% (34)
- Right: 25% (16)

58 of 122 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-09T16:15:08.530205+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-09T17:15:06.414Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports highlighted the potential for human longevity derived from the study of Jonathan's genetics. Several outlets focused on the idea that understanding Jonathan's DNA could help humans live longer. Source 14 (404 Media) stated Jonathan "Could Hold the Secrets to Defying Death," and Source 18 (Gizmodo) noted that "What they learned could some day help us extend our longevity." Source 6 (Spiegel) mentioned researchers' hopes that "one day people will be able to live longer." The full report from Source 1 (Hot News) detailed the scientific findings, including the comparison of Jonathan's genome to a cookbook and his epigenome to handwritten notes, and described his personality as a 'gentle giant'.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on Jonathan's status as the world's oldest land animal and the scientific findings about his genetic makeup. Outlets like Source 8 (Good News Network) noted Jonathan "reinforces what we know from humans about healthy aging." Source 16 (Kreiszeitung) and Source 24 (saarbruecker-zeitung.de) highlighted that Jonathan is "amazingly young in the cells" and that researchers want to learn from his genes. Source 2 (CTV News) provided a comprehensive overview, quoting the study's co-lead author Benjamin Vaisvil and veterinarian Joe Hollins, who described Jonathan as a "gentle giant" and an "icon."

### Right

- Right-rated reports tended to focus on the "secrets" and "keys" associated with Jonathan's longevity, often framing it as a potential anti-aging discovery. Source 5 (La Razón) highlighted "The Genetic Keys Associated with the Longevity of Jonathan." Source 13 (Welt) mentioned "287 Gene Variants, What This 194-Year-Old Turtle Reveals About Aging." Source 25 (focus.de) used the headline "Anti-Aging Secret of Tortoise Jonathan (194) Ventilated." Source 9 (Clarin) noted Jonathan "could have the secret of eternal youth" and mentioned his survival through historical events like world wars and pandemics.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 2
- mixed: 8
- high: 35
- unknown: 56
- veryHigh: 21

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/science/194-year-old-tortoise-worlds-oldest-land-animal-may-hold-clues-longer-life-2026-10-07) — A 194-year-old tortoise, world's oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
- [IOL Portugal](https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/tarturas-gigante/longevidade/jonathan-a-tartaruga-de-194-anos-que-pode-ajudar-os-humanos-a-viver-mais-tempo/20261009/6ac8f8bed34e53c759c75b89) — Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Turtle that Can Help Humans Live Longer
- [Courrier international](https://courrierinternational.com/article/genetique-les-secrets-de-longevite-de-jonathan-la-tortue-en-pleine-forme-a-194-ans_276883) — The Secrets of the Longevity of Jonathan the Turtle, in Full Shape at 194 Years Old
- [The Telegraph](https://telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/07/dna-worlds-oldest-tortoise-slow-human-ageing/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_reddit_oldest-tortoise-slow-human-ageing/&accesscontrol=facebookchannel_open) — DNA from world’s oldest tortoise may hold key to human ageing
- [focus-news.net](https://focus-news.net/novini/mejdunarodni/Nai-staroto-zhivotno-na-Zemyata-navurshi-194-godini-DNK-analiz-razkriva-tainata-na-negovoto-dulgoletie-3037213) — The Oldest Animal on Earth Turns 194: DNA Analysis Reveals the Secret to Its Longevity
- [lescienze.it](https://lescienze.it/biologia/2026/10/09/news/l_animale_terrestre_piu_anziano_che_si_conosca_e_una_tartaruga_e_ha_194_anni_come_ha_fatto_a_vivere_cosi_a_lungo-22878843) — The Oldest Terrestrial Animal We Know Is a Turtle and He Is 194 Years Old. How Did He Live so Long?
- [CNN](https://cnn.com/2026/10/09/science/jonathan-tortoise-longevity-genetics) — The secret to longer life? Scientists believe a 194-year-old tortoise could unlock clues
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/news/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/news/national-world/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [KMIZ](https://abc17news.com/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/cnn-other/2026/10/09/jonathan-the-194-year-old-tortoise-could-help-humans-live-longer) — Jonathan the 194-year-old tortoise could help humans live longer
- [ZME Science](https://zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/first-epigenomic-study-giant-tortoise-194-years-old) — At 194, the World’s Oldest Tortoise Has a Surprising Secret Hidden in His DNA
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/tecnologia-consumo/ciencia/estudio-science-advances-revela-claves-geneticas-asociadas-longevidad-jonathan-tortuga-gigante-194-anos-santa-elena_202610096ac7985fcfd4076f0c769e3e.html) — A Study in Science Advances Reveals the Genetic Keys Associated with the Longevity of Jonathan, St. Helena's 194-Year-Old Giant Turtle
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/canale_scienza/notizie/natura/2026/10/09/da-jonathan-la-tartaruga-gigante-il-segreto-per-vivere-194-anni_3a86e216-a13d-488b-b212-7520ce40831c.html) — From Jonathan the Turtle the Secret to Live 194 Years
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/saude/noticia/2026/10/09/kit-antienvelhecimento-a-ciencia-desvenda-o-segredo-de-longevidade-de-jonathan-o-animal-terrestre-de-194-anos.ghtml) — Anti-Aging Kit: Science Unravels the Secret of Longevity of Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Terrestrial Animal
- [Unknown](https://techno.nv.ua/ukr/popscience/gigantska-cherepaha-dzhonatan-genetichni-sekreti-dovgolittya-vidkrili-vcheni-50648202.html) — Survived Its Biological Age for a Whole Century. Geneticists Reveal the Secret of the Cells of the 194-Year-Old Turtle Jonathan
- [Unknown](https://neakriti.gr/periballon/2204391_mystiko-tis-aionobias-helonas-ti-apokalypse-i-meleti-toy-dna-toy-tzonathan) — The Secret of the Century-Old Tortoise: What the Study of Jonathan's DNA Revealed
- [pontosnews.gr](https://pontosnews.gr/865200/perierga/tzonathan-192-eton-i-chelona-poy-isos-kryvei-to-mystiko) — Jonathan, 192 Years Old: The Turtle that May Hold the Secret to Longevity
- [der Standard DE](https://derstandard.de/story/3000000343108/langlebigkeit-was-wir-von-einer-194-jahre-alten-schildkroete-lernen-koennen) — Longevity: What We Can Learn From a 194-Year-Old Turtle
- [Good News Network](https://goodnewsnetwork.org/nearly-200-year-old-tortoise-becomes-first-to-contribute-extraordinary-epigenome-to-aging-research) — Nearly 200-year-old Tortoise Becomes First to Contribute Extraordinary Epigenome to Aging Research
- [De Morgen](https://demorgen.be/nieuws/schildpad-jonathan-bestaat-al-langer-dan-de-evolutietheorie-van-darwin-hoe-kan-dat~bc89b14e) — Jonathan the Turtle Has Existed Longer than Darwin's Theory of Evolution: How Is that Possible?
- [npr](https://npr.org/2026/10/08/nx-s1-5991673/study-finds-194-year-old-tortoise-is-aging-more-slowly-than-you-would-expect) — Study finds 194-year-old tortoise is 'aging more slowly than you would expect'
- [pmo.ee](https://pmo.ee/8560794) — Two-Century-Old Turtle Also Gives Advice to Humans on How to Live Longer
- [Heti Világgazdaság](https://hvg.hu/tudomany/20261008_jonathan-teknos-hosszu-elet-titka) — The World's Oldest Tortoise Is 194 Years Old, the Secret to Its Longevity Has Been Revealed
- [news4health.gr](https://news4health.gr/ygeia/ta-mystika-tou-tzonathan-erevnites-meletisan-to-gonidioma-gigantias-xelonas-pou-metra-192-xronia-zois) — Jonathan's Secrets: Researchers Studied the Genome of a Giant Tortoise that Lives 192 Years
- [Il Messaggero](https://ilmessaggero.it/animali/tartaruga_piu_vecchia_del_mondo_jonathan-9812248.html) — The Oldest Turtle in the World Is Called Jonathan and He Is 194 Years Old: the Study that Explains His Longevity.
- [CNN Brasil](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/curiosidades/o-que-cientistas-encontraram-no-dna-de-jonathan-a-tartaruga-gigante-de-194-anos-pode-ajudar-a-estender-a-vida-humana) — What Scientists Found in Jonathan's DNA, the 194-Year-Old Giant Turtle, Can Help Extend Human Life
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/worlds-oldest-tortoise-long-life-b3063543.html) — The world’s oldest tortoise could hold the secret to longer life for humans
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/worlds-oldest-tortoise-long-life-b3063543.html) — The world’s oldest tortoise could hold the secret to longer life for humans
- [El Comercio](https://elcomercio.pe/tecnologia/actualidad/que-secreto-de-longevidad-atesora-una-tortuga-de-194-anos-noticia) — What Secret of Longevity Does a 194-Year-Old Turtle Treasure?
- [Metrópoles](https://metropoles.com/ciencia/dna-de-tartaruga-de-194-anos-revela-genes-que-agem-como-os-de-jovens) — 194-Year-Old Turtle DNA Reveals Genes that Act Like Those of Young People
- [eldiariodechihuahua.mx](https://eldiariodechihuahua.mx/escaparate/2026/oct/08/que-secretos-sobre-el-envejecimiento-guarda-jonathan-la-tortuga-gigante-de-194-anos-845477.html) — What Secrets About Aging Do Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Giant Turtle, Keep?
- [thesudantimes.com](https://thesudantimes.com/international/worlds-oldest-land-animal-offers-clues-to-longer-life) — World's oldest land animal offers clues to longer life
- [Spiegel](https://spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/schildkroete-jonathan-194-jahre-alt-und-genetisch-aktiv-wie-ein-junges-tier-a-439bd2ec-8706-4e96-b093-6abf3f96ac46) — Tortoise Jonathan: 194 Years Old, and Genetically Active as a Young Animal
- [Ελεύθερος Τύπος](https://eleftherostypos.gr/ellada/tzonathan-i-gigantia-chelona-194-eton-kryvei-to-mystiko-tis-makrozoias-ti-anakalypsan-oi-erevnites) — Jonathan: The 194-Year-Old Giant Tortoise Holds the Secret to Longevity – What Researchers Discovered
- [Clarin](https://clarin.com/internacional/jonathan-tortuga-cumplio-194-anos-podria-tener-secreto-eterna-juventud_0_8peLr6uHD3.html) — Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Turtle, Could Have the Secret of Eternal Youth
- [Unknown](https://ethnos.gr/World/article/423112/tzonathantimporeinamasmatheigiathmakrozoiatoghraioteroenzohxersaiozoopoypathseta194) — Jonathan: What the Oldest Living Land Animal, Who Lived to Be 194, Can Teach Us About Longevity
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/life/science/what-jonathan-194-year-old-tortoise-can-teach-us-about-longevity) — What Jonathan, 194-year-old tortoise, can teach us about longevity
- [rmf24.pl](https://rmf24.pl/fakty/nauka/news-jak-zyc-zdrowo-194-lata-zolw-jonathan-ujawnia,nIdn,1021051) — How to Live Healthy at 194? Jonathan the Turtle Reveals
- [studyfinds.com](https://studyfinds.com/worlds-oldest-tortoise-healthier-aging-humans) — World's Oldest Tortoise Could Help Foster Healthier Aging In Humans
- [reader.gr](https://reader.gr/periballon/o-tzonathan-patise-ta-192-kai-oi-epistimones-meletoyn-elixirio-tis-makrozoias-toy/664650) — Jonathan "Turned" 192 and Scientists Are Studying the... "Elixir" of His Longevity
- [Kreiszeitung](https://kreiszeitung.de/wissen/riesenschildkroete-jonathan-studie-zeigt-langsame-zellalterung-zr-94531124.html) — 194 Years Old and yet Amazingly Young in the Cells: What Researchers Found in Tortoise Jonathan
- [bemparana.com.br](https://bemparana.com.br/noticias/mundo/cientistas-mapeiam-possivel-segredo-da-longevidade-de-jonathan-tartaruga-de-194-anos) — Scientists Map Possible Secret Of Jonathan's Longevity, 194-Year-Old Turtle
- [geo](https://geo.de/natur/tierwelt/diese-schildkroete-ist-194-jahre-alt---was-sie-der-forschung-verraet---38364410.html) — 194 Years Old: What the Oldest Known Animal in the World Tells Us About the Aging Process
- [Unknown](https://english.pravda.ru/news/animal/169746-tortoise-longevity-genetics) — Scientists study giant tortoise genome to find human age-related treatments
- [asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/article/2026100819005001111) — The Secret to the Longevity of the World's Oldest Turtle, '194 Years Old,' Is 'mitochondria.'
- [Hawaii Tribune-Herald](https://hawaiitribune-herald.com/2026/10/08/nation-world-news/at-194-jonathan-the-giant-tortoise-knows-about-aging) — At 194, Jonathan the giant tortoise knows about aging
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/video/2026/10/08/jonathan-the-tortoise-the-worlds-oldest-living-land-animal) — Video. Jonathan the tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/nizkiy-uroven-besporyadka-200-letnyaya-cherepaha-dzhonatan-dala-uchenym) — Low Level of Disorder: Jonathan's 200-Year-Old Turtle Gave Scientists a Clue How to Live Longer.
- [www.ertnews.gr](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/tzonathan-eton-192-ta-genetika-mystika-tis-makrozoias-tis-giraioteris-xelonas-ston-kosmo) — Jonathan, 192 Years Old: The Genetic Secrets of the Longevity of the Oldest Tortoise in the World
- [Volkskrant](https://volkskrant.nl/wetenschap/schildpad-jonathan-bestaat-al-langer-dan-de-evolutietheorie-van-darwin-hoe-kan-dat~bc89b14e) — Jonathan the Turtle Has Existed Longer than Darwin's Theory of Evolution: How Is that Possible?
- [Welt](https://welt.de/wissenschaft/article6ac7366e75caf261c519d2c5/longevity-287-genvarianten-was-diese-194-jahre-alte-schildkroete-ueber-das-altern-verraet.html) — Longevity: 287 Gene Variants – What This 194-Year-Old Turtle Reveals About Aging
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/tech-science/pos-o-tzonathan-i-helona-ilikias-194-eton-anoigei-parathyro-sta-mystika-tis) — How Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Tortoise, Opens a 'Window' Into the Secrets of Longevity
- [Hasan Jasim](https://hasanjasim.online/jonathan-the-tortoise-is-194-and-still-thriving-and-his-dna-shows-almost-no-wear-and-tear) — Jonathan the Tortoise Is 194 and Still Thriving — and His DNA Shows Almost No Wear and Tear
- [ekriti](https://ekriti.gr/epistimi/ta-mystika-makrozoias-tis-gigantias-helonas-tzonathan-metra-192-hronia-zois) — The Longevity Secrets of the Giant Tortoise Jonathan - Measures 192 Years of Life
- [Unknown](https://obozrevatel.com/section-novosti-obschestvo/news-maye-superheny-vcheni-zayavyly-shcho-dnk-194-richnoyi-cherepakhy-mozhe-dopomohty-rozhadaty-tayemnytsyu-starinnya-08-10-2026.html) — "Acquired by Supergens": Scientists Have Stated that the DNA of a 194-Year-Old Turtle Can Help Solve the Mystery of Aging.
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/10/8/1460351.html) — Jonathan's Turtle Found 287 Unique Genes of Longevity.
- [rthess.gr](https://rthess.gr/epistimi-ygeia-technologia/epistimi-ta-mystika-makrozoias-tis-gigantias-chelonas-tzonathan-pou-metra-192-chronia-zois) — Science: The Secrets of Longevity of the Giant Tortoise Jonathan, Who Lives to Be 192 Years Old
- [flash.gr](https://flash.gr/o-tzonathan-apokalyptei-ta-mystika-tis-makrozoias-i-chelona-me-to-entyposiako-rekor-ton-192-chronon-1085043) — “Jonathan” Reveals the Secrets of Longevity — The Tortoise with the Impressive 192
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/555988/erevnites-anakalypsan-ta-genetika-mystika-pou-kratoyn-ti-xelona-tzonathan-zontani-sta-194-xronia-tis) — Researchers Discover Genetic Secrets that Keep Jonathan the Tortoise Alive at 194 Years Old
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/10/08/ta-mystika-makrozoias-tis-gigantias-chelonas-tzonathan-poy-metra-192-chronia-zois) — The Secrets of Longevity of the Giant Tortoise Jonathan, Who Lives to Be 192 Years Old
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/environment/article/1891541/ta-mustika-makrozoias-tis-gigadias-helonas-tzonathan-pou-metra-192-hronia-zois) — The Secrets of Longevity of the Giant Tortoise Jonathan, Who Lives to Be 192 Years Old
- [Báo điện tử Dân Trí](https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/phat-hien-dac-biet-tren-con-vat-194-tuoi-song-lau-nhat-the-gioi-tren-can-20261008144141599.htm) — Remarkable Discovery on the World's Oldest Living Land Animal, Aged 194.
- [Telegraf – Najnovije vesti](https://nauka.telegraf.rs/priroda/4410748-dzonatan-ima-194-godine-njegovi-dnk-i-biomarkeri-cuvaju-tajnu-dugovecnosti) — Jonathan Is 194 Years Old: His DNA and Biomarkers Hold the Secret to Longevity
- [News-Medical.net](https://azolifesciences.com/news/20261008/Aldabra-Giant-Tortoise-Genome-Provides-Evolutionary-Blueprint-for-Cellular-Resilience.aspx) — Aldabra Giant Tortoise Genome Provides Evolutionary Blueprint for Cellular Resilience
- [epochtimes.de](https://epochtimes.de/panorama/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-a5630760.html) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ciencia/2026/10/cientistas-mapeiam-possivel-segredo-da-longevidade-de-jonathan-tartaruga-de-194-anos.shtml) — 194-Year-Old Turtle Can Have a Secret of Longevity - 08/10/2026
- [Qué!](https://que.es/2026/10/08/tortuga-mas-longeva-mundo-genoma-jonathan) — Jonathan, the World's Longest Turtle, Keeps 287 Genetic Variants that Slow Its Aging
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/wissen/anti-aging-geheimnis-von-schildkroete-jonathan-194-gelueftet_89e82107-4538-45c0-93b1-3d0259b2b36a.html) — Anti-Aging Secret of Tortoise Jonathan (194) Ventilated
- [goodnewsdigest.app](https://goodnewsdigest.app/stories/at-nearly-200-jonathan-the-tortoise-offers-new-clues-to-ageing-b301b746) — At nearly 200, Jonathan the tortoise offers new clues to ageing
- [The Podium Media](https://thepodiummedia.com/a-194-year-old-tortoise-worlds-oldest-land-animal-may-hold-clues-to-longer-life) — A 194-year-old Tortoise, World’s Oldest Land Animal, May Hold Clues to Longer Life
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/techscience/2172246/o-tzonathan-i-gigantia-chelona-194-eton-isos-kryvei-to-mystiko-tis-makrozoias) — Jonathan, the 194-Year-Old Giant Tortoise, May Hold the Secret to Longevity
- [PerthNow](https://perthnow.com.au/news/technology/old-secrets-tortoise-might-hold-clues-to-longer-life-c-22987876) — Old secrets: tortoise might hold clues to longer life
- [The West Australian](https://thewest.com.au/technology/old-secrets-tortoise-might-hold-clues-to-longer-life-c-22987873) — Old secrets: tortoise might hold clues to longer life
- [op-online.de](https://op-online.de/welt/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-zr-94530110.html) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [Thanh Niên](https://thanhnien.vn/kham-pha-bi-quyet-truong-tho-cua-rua-gia-194-tuoi-185261008090621673.htm) — Discover the Secret to the Longevity of a 194-Year-Old Tortoise.
- [RN](https://ruhrnachrichten.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-w1258547-2002256027) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [bbv-net.de](https://bbv-net.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-w1258547-6000641528) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [nordbayern.de](https://nordbayern.de/schlagzeilen/194-jahrige-schildkrote-was-jonathan-ubers-altern-verrat-1.15307630) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/deutschland-welt/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-id5524915.html) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [Zeit Online](https://zeit.de/news/2026-10/08/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet) — Age Research: 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/altersforschung-194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet/100260588.html) — Age Research: 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [inFranken.de](https://infranken.de/ueberregional/newsticker-national/wissenschaft/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet-art-6401697) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet_aid-156174637) — Age Research: 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/nachrichten/wissenschaft/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet_aid-156174641) — Age Research: 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [wz.de](https://wz.de/panorama/wissenschaft/194-jaehrige-schildkroete-was-jonathan-uebers-altern-verraet_aid-156174629) — 194-Year-Old Turtle: What Jonathan Reveals About Aging
- [GB News](https://gbnews.com/science/science-breakthrough-worlds-oldest-tortoise-biological-key) — World’s oldest tortoise could hold biological key to slowing human ageing
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/scienza/news/2026-10-08/jonathan-tartaruga-dna-39428405) — Jonathan Is Almost 200 Years Old, in the DNA the Secret of Longevity
- [NewsFinale](https://newsfinale.com/news/how-a-194-year-old-giant-tortoise-could-help-us-live-longer) — How a 194-Year-Old Giant Tortoise Could Help Us Live Longer
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/news/article-16191689/Jonathan-giant-tortoise-offer-clues-helping-humans-live-longer-hes-set-celebrate-195th-birthday.html) — How giant tortoise, 194, can offer clues on helping us live longer
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/a-194-year-old-tortoise-worlds-oldest-land-animal-may-hold-clues-to-longer-life) — A 194-year-old tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
- [The Japan Times](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/08/world/science-health/tortoise-life-longevity-clues) — A 194-year-old tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
- [Unknown](https://chosun.com/economy/science/2026/10/08/MRRTAMBWGI3DCZRWMI3TKZLFMI) — [100-Year Science] Longest-Lived Land Turtle, 194-Year-Old, Showed No Genetic Damage
- [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/romana/1038270/legatura-dintre-broasca-testoasa-uriasa-secretul-longevitatii) — The Link Between a Huge Turtle and the Secret of Longevity. What Researchers Have Discovered
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/nauka_it/u-194-richnoyi-cherepakhy-vyiavyly-unikalni-systemy-vidnovlennia-dnk-shcho-protystoiat-starinniu-3184075.html) — 194-Year-Old Turtle Discovered Unique DNA Repair Systems That Resist Aging
- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/escaparate/2026/oct/07/a-sus-194-anos-jonathan-la-tortuga-gigante-sabe-lo-que-es-envejecer-1142192.html) — At 194, Jonathan, the Giant Turtle, Knows What It's Like to Grow Old.
- [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/legatura-dintre-o-broasca-testoasa-uriasa-de-194-de-ani-cel-mai-batran-animal-din-lume-si-secretul-longevitatii-ce-au-descoperit-cercetatorii-2370113) — The Link Between a Huge Turtle and the Secrecy of Longevity. What Researchers Have Discovered - HotNews.ro
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/at-194-a-450-pound-tortoise-is-the-oldest-living-land-animal-and-its-dna-may-help-explain-why-49783) — At 194, a 450-Pound Tortoise Is the Oldest Living Land Animal, and its DNA May Help Explain Why
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261007148200017) — [SciTech+] "194-Year-Old World's Oldest Turtle Jonathan, Is the Secret to Longevity in His Genes?"
- [GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News…](https://genengnews.com/topics/omics/secrets-of-oldest-land-animals-194-year-lifespan-revealed-with-epigenetics) — Secrets of Oldest Land Animal’s 194-Year Lifespan Revealed with Epigenetics
- [Newswise](https://newswise.com/articles/an-extremely-old-giant-tortoise-named-jonathan-may-hold-the-secret-to-a-long-healthy-life-study) — An Extremely Old Giant Tortoise Named Jonathan May Hold the Secret to a Long, Healthy Life: Study
- [20minutos](https://20minutos.es/ciencia/que-secreto-longevidad-atesora-jonathan-una-tortuga-194-anos_7046282_0.html) — What Secret of Longevity Does Jonathan Treasure, a 194-Year-Old Turtle?
- [Live Science](https://livescience.com/animals/turtles-tortoises/scientists-discover-the-genetic-secrets-that-may-have-helped-jonathan-the-tortoise-live-to-194-years-old) — Scientists discover the genetic secrets that may have helped Jonathan the tortoise live to 194 years old
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/health/article/a-194-year-old-tortoise-worlds-oldest-land-animal-may-hold-clues-to-longer-life) — A 194-year-old tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
- [Nautilus](https://nautil.us/how-to-live-to-be-194-years-old-1285604) — How to Live to Be 194 Years Old
- [Futura](https://futura-sciences.com/planete/actualites/tortue-cest-plus-vieil-animal-terrestre-vivant-jonathan-aura-bientot-200-ans-ce-chercheurs-ont-decouvert-cellules-etonnant-138337) — It's the Oldest Living Terrestrial Animal: Jonathan Will Soon have...
- [Science 2.0](https://science20.com/news_articles/20261007/194_year_old_tortoise_dna_shows_lifestyle_diseases_accelerate_aging-300132) — 194 Year Old Tortoise DNA Shows Lifestyle Diseases Accelerate Aging
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/10/07/a-194-year-old-tortoise-worlds-oldest-land-animal-may-hold-clues-to-longer-life) — A 194-year-old tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
- [Hola News](https://holanews.com/que-secreto-de-longevidad-atesora-una-tortuga-de-194-anos) — What Secret of Longevity Does a 194-Year-Old Turtle Treasure?
- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-year-tortoise-reveals-stable-gene.html) — 194-year-old tortoise reveals stable gene switches that may help resist aging
- [404 Media](https://404media.co/oldest-living-land-animal-jonathan-the-tortoise) — ‘Jonathan’ Is the Oldest Land Animal on Earth. He Could Hold the Secrets to Defying Death
- [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/jonathan-the-tortoise-survived-2-centuries-and-a-fake-death-now-scientists-are-unraveling-his-anti-aging-secrets-2000822921) — Jonathan the Tortoise Has Survived 2 Centuries and a Fake Death. Now Scientists Are Unraveling His Anti-Aging Secrets
- [El Pais](https://elpais.com/ciencia/2026-10-07/la-tortuga-jonathan-tiene-194-anos-y-en-sus-genes-se-esconden-los-secretos-de-la-longevidad.html) — The ‘Jonathan’ Turtle Is 194 Years Old and Its Genes Hide the Secrets of Longevity
- [IFLScience](https://iflscience.com/we-finally-know-how-jonathan-the-tortoise-the-worlds-oldest-land-animal-is-still-alive-and-kicking-at-194-84863) — We Finally Know How Jonathan The Tortoise, The World's Oldest Land Animal, Is Still Alive And Kicking At 194
- [Popular Science](https://popsci.com/environment/jonathan-worlds-oldest-tortoise-genes) — Jonathan the tortoise is 194 years old and thriving. His genes help explain why.
- [ecotopical.com](https://ecotopical.com/yale-environment-360/461584/jonathan-192-year-old-giant-tortoise-holds-insights-aging) — Jonathan, a 192-Year-Old Giant Tortoise, Holds Insights for Aging Well
- [Discover Wildlife](https://discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/reptiles/jonathan-giant-tortoise-dna-analysis) — Scientists analysed the DNA of world’s oldest land animal. What they found was staggering
- [Scientific American](https://scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-unlock-the-longevity-secrets-of-194-year-old-jonathan-the-giant-tortoise) — Scientists unlock the longevity secrets of 194-year-old Jonathan the giant tortoise
- [meteored.cl](https://meteored.cl/noticias/ciencia/jonathan-la-tortuga-mas-vieja-del-mundo-estudio-revela-el-secreto-genetico-de-su-longevidad.html) — Jonathan, the Oldest Turtle in the World: Study Reveals the Genetic Secret of Its Longevity

## Questions

**How old is Jonathan the tortoise?**

Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is estimated to be approximately 194 years old. This makes him the world's oldest known terrestrial animal. While most reports agree on this age, one source stated he is 192 years old.

**What have scientists discovered about Jonathan's longevity?**

Scientists have sequenced Jonathan's genome and analysed his epigenome, identifying genetic changes associated with longevity. These include improved DNA repair, telomere function, and lower methylation entropy in regions controlling longevity genes, suggesting a more youthful cellular state.

**What unique genetic features does Jonathan possess?**

Researchers identified 287 genes with variants unique to Jonathan, including those linked to tumour suppression and DNA repair. He also carries extra copies of a gene that targets aged and cancerous cells, potentially contributing to his extended lifespan.

**Can Jonathan's genetic secrets help humans live longer?**

While the research is ongoing, scientists hope that understanding the genetic mechanisms behind Jonathan's longevity could eventually offer insights into extending human lifespan. Some reports suggest that certain aging mechanisms may be shared across species.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/tech/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Jonathan the tortoise's genome sequenced to study longevity", https://mediabias.news/tech/jonathan-the-tortoises-genome-sequenced-to-study-longevity