Core Insights - The research team from Tongji University discovered that the naked mole rat possesses a unique protein, cGAS, which functions oppositely to its human counterpart, aiding in DNA repair and contributing to the animal's longevity [1][2] - The study highlights the significance of DNA repair capabilities in determining species lifespan, with naked mole rats living up to 40 years and showing resistance to various diseases [1] - The findings were published in the international journal "Science," providing new targets for anti-aging interventions [1] Group 1 - The naked mole rat's cGAS protein enhances homologous recombination repair efficiency, contrasting with the human cGAS protein that inhibits this process [1][2] - The research identified four evolutionarily specific amino acid sites in the C-terminal domain of naked mole rat cGAS that mediate the reversal of function [2] - Mutating these sites in naked mole rat cGAS leads to the loss of its DNA repair-promoting function, while introducing them into human cGAS can reverse its aging-promoting effects [2] Group 2 - Overexpression of naked mole rat cGAS in mice helps resist multi-organ aging, reduces systemic inflammation, and extends healthy lifespan [2] - The study explores the unique DNA repair mechanisms of naked mole rats and their association with longevity, potentially offering new insights for achieving "aging without decline" in humans [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the unique longevity and cancer resistance of the bowhead whale, which can live over 200 years, and highlights the role of a specific protein, Cold-inducible RNA-binding Protein (CIRBP), in DNA repair and genomic stability [3][6][11]. Group 1: Bowhead Whale Longevity - The bowhead whale has a lifespan exceeding 200 years, which is significantly longer than that of other mammals, such as mice, which live only 2-3 years [2]. - Despite its large size (over 80 tons) and the expectation of high cancer rates due to DNA mutations, the bowhead whale exhibits low cancer incidence, suggesting a unique genetic mechanism for cancer prevention [2][11]. Group 2: Research Findings - A study published in Nature identified CIRBP as a key protein activated in cold environments that aids in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, contributing to the bowhead whale's longevity and low cancer risk [3][6]. - The research demonstrated that expressing CIRBP in human cells enhances DNA repair capabilities, and in fruit flies, it extends lifespan and increases resistance to DNA-damaging radiation [9][11]. Group 3: Implications for Human Health - The findings suggest that enhancing DNA repair mechanisms could provide significant opportunities for extending human lifespan and improving health [4][11]. - The study indicates that bowhead whales maintain genomic integrity not by relying on additional anti-cancer genes but through superior DNA repair processes [11].

Core Viewpoint - The research reveals that specific mutations in the cGAS protein of naked mole-rats enhance DNA repair mechanisms, potentially leading to extended lifespan and healthspan, suggesting a new strategy for aging intervention in humans [2][3][9]. Summary by Sections Research Findings - The study identifies four specific amino acid mutations in the cGAS protein of naked mole-rats that convert it from a DNA repair inhibitor to a repair enhancer, thereby promoting DNA repair and delaying aging [3][6]. - Compared to humans and mice, naked mole-rat cGAS improves the efficiency of homologous recombination repair, which is crucial for maintaining genomic stability [6][9]. Mechanism of Action - The mutations in cGAS alter its interaction with ubiquitin, extending its retention time on chromatin after DNA damage, which enhances the formation of complexes necessary for DNA repair [6][9]. - The study demonstrates that the naked mole-rat cGAS mitigates stress-induced cellular aging and organ degeneration, contributing to increased lifespan [6][9]. Experimental Validation - Delivery of naked mole-rat cGAS to aged mice using adeno-associated virus (AAV) alleviated signs of frailty, reduced inflammation markers, and decreased cellular aging indicators, thereby extending healthspan [7][9]. Implications for Human Aging - The findings suggest that mimicking the unique mutations of naked mole-rat cGAS through small molecules or gene editing could offer new avenues for delaying aging and enhancing healthspan in humans [3][9].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant contributions of Chinese scholars in the latest issue of the journal Nature, with 12 out of 24 papers authored by them, indicating a strong presence in cutting-edge research [1][25]. Group 1: Research on Health and Medicine - A study from Zhaoquan Wang at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reveals that high fructose intake in early life impairs microglial phagocytosis and neurodevelopment, potentially increasing anxiety risk during adolescence [1]. - Research by Yang Wei from the NIH discusses the dynamic assemblies and coordinated reactions involved in non-homologous end joining, providing insights into DNA repair mechanisms [4]. - A paper from Gaoqun Zhang at the Max Planck Institute explores the developmental trajectory and evolutionary origin of thymic mimetic cells, shedding light on immune system development [10]. - A study by Lingjie Sang from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center identifies glycosaminoglycan-driven lipoprotein uptake as a key mechanism for cancer cells to resist ferroptosis, suggesting a new target for cancer therapy [11]. Group 2: Innovations in Technology and Materials - Research by Jianmin Liang at Arizona State University presents a fully open AI foundation model for chest radiography, outperforming existing models in detecting rare chest diseases [2][4]. - A study from Jack Chun-Ting Liu at Stanford University discovers genes enabling the biosynthesis of baccatin III, a precursor for the anticancer drug paclitaxel, addressing the challenge of sourcing sufficient quantities from natural plants [3]. - A paper from Jia Liu at Harvard University introduces a flexible neural implant that grows with the brain, promising advancements in treating neurological disorders [5]. - Research from Zheng Guo at the University of Science and Technology of China demonstrates a new method to enhance the lifespan of perovskite light-emitting diodes, achieving brightness over 1.16 million nits and a lifespan exceeding 180,000 hours [7]. Group 3: Environmental and Earth Sciences - A study by Jianghui Du at ETH Zurich challenges traditional views on marine biogeochemistry, indicating that various trace elements in the ocean originate from the seafloor [6]. - Research by Peng Gao at Peking University investigates phonon transport dynamics across interfaces, providing insights for thermal interface engineering [8]. - A paper from Wei-Yu Qian at Leibniz University presents the preparation of a neutral nitrogen allotrope, which could open new opportunities for energy storage concepts [9].