What in the World Naked mole rats prove pretty privilege is overrated
Oct 13, 2025
Victoria Gill, a BBC science correspondent and expert on peculiar animals, dives into the fascinating world of naked mole rats. These quirky creatures, known for their 40-year lifespan, possess unique DNA repair mechanisms that could unveil secrets to human aging. Gill highlights how their underground lifestyle contributes to longevity and discusses the potential for this research to inform age-related disease prevention. The conversation also touches on the whimsical idea of choosing between looks and longevity, with Gill favoring healthspan over appearance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unusual Rodents With Exceptional Longevity
- Naked mole rats are bald, mostly blind rodents that live in underground colonies and look very unusual.
- They live about 40 years, far longer than closely related mice which live about three years.
Colony Structure Mirrors Social Insects
- Naked mole rats live in colonies with a single reproductive queen and many non-reproductive workers.
Aging Resistance Beyond Longevity
- Naked mole rats show remarkable resistance to common age-related diseases like cancer and dementia.