They’re as ugly as sin and creepy little buggers to boot.

But the toothy, scary-looking subterranean rodents could offer clues as to how humans can beat certain issues of old age- like cancer and Alzheimer’s- and have better, longer lives. Naked mole rats, however unappealing their underground and ant-like existence may seem, however, live fairly enviable lives for their species. Unlike mice, who live about four years, naked mole rats have a lifespan of a staggering quarter century. Scientists have never observed cancer in the rodents, even when scientists have deliberately tried to create tumors in the creatures. (By the way, dick move, scientists.)

Earlier this week, scientists published the naked mole rate genome, and Rochelle Buffenstein, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio participated in the studies. She commented:

“It’s a treasure-trove for cancer and Alzheimer’s research. It’s got so much information that we can now go and mine to test all kinds of theories about aging and disease.”

Another naked mole rat researcher, Vera Gorbunova of the University of Rochester, did not participate but said:

“Having the genome raises the possibility of finding treatments that may prevent cancer in people and possibly even extend life span.”

Vadim N. Gladyshev was lead author on the study- published October 12th in the journal Nature- and he says the implications could be big for human medical science:

“If we can understand the genetic adaptations, we may be able to find treatments which can change the human into a more long-lived species.”

The study was funded in part by groups dedicated to aging research.

Naked Mole Rat Genome Could Have Lasting Implications For Human Lifespan, Quality is a post from: The Inquisitr

Meet the Madagascan Aye-aye. Obviously named on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, this animal has to be the second ugliest animal on earth.

According to Wikipedia the Aye-aye is an endangered species not only because its habitat is being destroyed, but also due to native superstition. Besides being a general nuisance in villages, ancient Malagasy legend said that the Aye-aye was a symbol of death. Given how completely hideous it is, it’s easy to see why.

We say second ugliest, because obviously the Naked Mole Rat is clearly the ugliest animal on earth.

The second ugliest animal in the world is a post from: The Inquisitr