Butterfly that barely ages could help unlock longevity secrets
Researchers have discovered that certain Heliconius butterflies in Central and South America possess an extraordinary ability to slow the aging process. Some individuals live nearly a year, significantly longer than related species, and show little physical decline as they age.
Why it matters
These butterflies could serve as a vital biological model for understanding the mechanisms of longevity and healthy aging in other species.
A group of tropical butterflies may have evolved an extraordinary way to stay healthy for longer by slowing the aging process itself, according to a University of Bristol-led study published June 16 in Nature Communications .
The article is a straightforward summary of scientific research published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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