The Dream World

The naked mole lives up 10 times longer than the mouse or the rat. Scientists are asking “Why?” and want to seriously test the genes to find out what makes them live long and healthy. This is a rodent that lives under the ground but is highly social which means it comes up for air and a bit of socializing once in a while. Thus, it begs the question why it appears to be immune to diseases and infections.

To be able to study the genes of the naked mole, scientists will have to poke and possibly harm them. The cost is supposed to be justified by the results especially if a cancer drug can be found. The study is currently taking place in San Antonio Texas with an elite team of international scientists and members of the University of Texas Health Center. They have managed to capture and cage over 2,000 naked moles in their lab.

It has already been proven that this particular rodent species can resist cancer. Researchers believe it has something to do with protein integrity and genes. They think that if they can pinpoint exactly what kind of gene enables immunity from cancerous cells, they can come up with a cure for cancer.
According to Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein who is part of the research team, “We might find clues as to why the naked mole rate is able to extend both health span and longevity, as well as fight cancer, and this information could be directly relevant and translatable to humans.”
The naked mole lives to over 30 years in captivity. It does not show signs that it is aging throughout its 30 years and has low oxygen requirements. It does have low tolerance for high carbon dioxide levels. Up to the 30th year, the female naked mole can still have babies and does not feel some types of pain. It does have a body temperature of a reptile and lives like bees with a Queen mole just like a Queen Bee.
Fortunately, the naked mole is not an endangered species and the research team is avoiding any cruelty to the lab animals. This is why, in this case, one does not hear complaints about using the naked mole for research.