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Naked shrews are unique creatures that challenge conventional wisdom about cancer and aging. Despite their unattractive appearance, these rodents have become famous for their long lifespans, reaching 30 years or more. The oldest recorded individual lived to be 39 years old, well beyond the average lifespan of most rodents.
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The peculiarity of these animals is that they practically do not age according to the classic model of increasing mortality with age. Scientists associate this with the high level of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which shrews produce in large quantities. The HAS2 gene responsible for its formation was transferred to a mouse model, which improved the health of the mice and extended their life.
