Category Archives: Human Longevity

LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI), the human health information technology and health care company, today announced a multi-year agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), to conduct whole genome sequencing of tens of thousands of de-identified samples from Genentech. HLI, using proprietary tools and unique expertise, will sequence genomes to 30x coverage and analyze the data. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are excited to be working with Genentech so that patient samples can be analyzed according to more precise genetic categories," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., HLI CEO and Co-Founder. "At HLI we have built unprecedented capabilities for whole genome sequencing and interpretation to enable a wide array of advances in health care. The application of our capabilities to discover new diagnostics and targeted therapies is one of the most relevant today."

HLI is focused on building the world's most comprehensive integrated human genotype and phenotype database, the HLI Knowledgebase. To achieve that, HLI has established the largest human genome sequencing center in the world, and is sequencing and analyzing complete, 30x coverage genomes using Illumina's HiSeq X Ten sequencing machines. HLI also utilizes Illumina HiSeq 2500 and Pac Bio RS II instruments.

"Genentech's goal is to harness the power of widespread whole genome sequencing to identify new therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers," said James Sabry, senior vice president and global head of Genentech partnering. "We are pleased to join forces with HLI and leverage their expertise in DNA sequencing and analysis along with scientific expertise to accelerate our drug discovery efforts and ultimately bring to market promising new therapies for patients with serious medical conditions."

HLI and Genentech take the privacy and protection of individual's personal information very seriously. All sample and patient data elements are de-identified to remove all personally identifiable information.

About Human Longevity, Inc.HLI, a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, CA was founded in 2013 by pioneers in the fields of genomics and stem cell therapy. Using advances in genomic sequencing, the human microbiome, proteomics, informatics, computing, and cell therapy technologies, HLI is building the world's most comprehensive knowledge base of human genotypes and phenotypes as a basis for a variety of opportunities to help solve aging related disease and human biological decline. HLI will be licensing access to its Knowledgebase to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic institutions and medical centers, governments, insurers and physicians, and developing new diagnostics and therapeutics as part of their product offerings. For more information please visit, http://www.humanlongevity.com

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Human Longevity, Inc. Signs Agreement with Genentech for Whole Genome Sequencing and Analysis of Samples

White City, OR (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

Groundbreaking new results show targeted subtle energy patterns, sometimes referred to as bioenergetic patterns, have a significant positive impact on human cell growth and mitochondrial membrane potential. Three notable findings include an 83% increase in cell viability under food deprivation conditions, a 50% increase in mitochondrial longevity in the presence of toxins and third of all, that mitochondria exposed to subtle energy and under starved and poisoned conditions showed increased viability over even the non-poisoned control. These recent findings show potential long term improvement to human cell viability which can slow and reverse the breakdown of human cells.

Cell growth experiments at Beech Tree Labs tested human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) infused with one of four unique, proprietary subtle energy patterns from Vital Force Technology; Cell Longevity, Peak Performance, Stress Relief, and Anti-Cancer. The experiment compared the influence of different subtle energy patterns on cell viability and longevity. It was found that cells growing with subtle energy pattern Stress Relief had 83% more live cells remaining on the 9th day than the control group. Additionally, those groups infused with Cell Longevity and Peak Performance yielded 50% more live cells on the 9th day than found in the control.

At Rigas University in Latvia researchers looking into mitochondrial viability and longevity tested Cell Longevity, and Peak Performance energy patterns on human embryonic kidney cells. After three days, stressed cells exposed to the subtle energy patterns showed increased viability over the control groups. Meaning, the stressed cells exposed to subtle energy showed more mitochondrial longevity than the cells that were never stressed to begin with.

Ultimately both Beech Tree Labs and Rigas findings hint at new possibilities that could have major implications for human health and may be the first step towards a completely non-toxic, natural, and no side effect alternative to traditional health treatments. The full study along with other studies can be reviewed in the research section of the Vital Force Technology website at http://vitalforcetechnology.energytoolsint.com/results/research/cellular/

Vital Force Technology continues to create and explore new subtle energy patterns targeted to achieve specific wellness outcomes, such as the cell longevity and performance enhancement formulas they've already established. For more information on Vital Force Technology and the research above, visit vitalforcetechnology.com or call 800-341-7458.

About Vital Force Technologytm Founded in 2000 by Russian Radio-Physicist and Inventor Dr. Yury Kronn, and President and CEO Constance Kronn., Vital Force Technology (VFT) offers a range of innovative energetic signature formulas for wellness, personal care, animal care and agriculture markets. Headquartered in White City, Oregon, the firm is a global market leader in bio-energetic ingredients. VFT also markets numerous health and wellness energetic formulas under the same name. The company serves thousands of clinicians and practitioners in over 40 countries, as well as a growing number of leading-edge manufacturers. For more information about Vital Force Technology and its energetic formulas, visit http://www.vitalforcetechnology.com.

About Dr. Yury Kronn Dr. Yury Kronn is a world renowned authority, scientist, inventor, author, and lead scientist for Vital Force Technology, a division of Energy Tools International LLC. Educated in Russias prestigious Gorky University, Dr. Kronn earned his PhD. He was one of the leading theoreticians in high frequency electromagnetic vibrations, laser physics and nonlinear optics. He was awarded a Doctor of Sciences degree by the scientific committee of Lebedevs Institute of Physics, in Moscow, chaired at the time by N. G. Basov, Nobel Prize winner.

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New Subtle Energy Pattern Research Shows Increases in Cell Growth and Viability

BALTIMORE and LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc. (PGDx), a provider of advanced cancer genome analysis and testing services, and Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI), the human health information technology and health care company, today announced that HLI will have access to PGDx's cancer genomics solutions to expand its analysis of cancer genomes, including CancerSelect, PlasmaSelect, CancerXome, METDetect and CancerComplete. HLI has also licensed the PGDx Enterprise Solution platform, which is a turnkey solution that enables laboratories to conduct their own advanced cancer genomic testing using next-generation sequencing.

PGDx co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Luis Diaz, MD, noted, "As pioneers in the field of cancer genomics, we are delighted to be collaborating with HLI, a visionary company co-founded by genomics legend J. Craig Venter." PGDx co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Victor Velculescu, MD, PhD, added, "HLI's commitment to changing the way medicine is practiced by systematically harnessing genomics data to address aging-associated diseases aligns well with our goal of transforming the treatment of cancer by enabling researchers, physicians and patients to use genomics data to advance and personalize cancer therapy."

PGDx applies its advanced genomic methods to identify and characterize the unique genomic alterations in tumors using tissue and liquid biopsies from cancer patients. The ES platform utilizes PGDx's proprietary bioinformatics software pipeline that provides industry-leading sensitivity and specificity, while maximizing accuracy in detecting multiple types of tumor-specific mutations. PGDx's targeted gene panels focus on well-characterized genes that have been selected for their high biologic importance in cancer and their relevance to drug targets and pathways.

HLI is building the world's largest and most comprehensive database of human genomic and phenotype data. The company has signed agreements with academic medical centers and large biotechnology companies to sequence and analyze human genomes, including those of cancer patients, to determine more precise treatments and more details about the specific tumor and cancer in that patient. The PGDx suite of solutions will enable even greater precision and detail for HLI's customers and their patients.

As part of the agreement, HLI will perform sequencing and analysis for select PGDx customers and for their own research activities.

"Having access to PGDx's capabilities, targeted cancer panels and Enterprise Solution platform for advanced cancer genomic testing is another important component to our already comprehensive and accurate database of human biological data," said J. Craig Venter, PhD, HLI's Co-founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to be partnering with PGDx and the extensive cancer genomics expertise and technology innovations developed by the world-class research team at PGDx."

About Personal Genome DiagnosticsPersonal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx) provides advanced cancer genome analyses to oncologyresearchers, drug developers, clinicians and patients. The company uses advanced genomic methods and its deep expertise in cancer biology to identify and characterize the unique genomic alterations in tumors. PGDx's proprietary methods for genome sequencing and analysis are complemented by its extensive experience in cancer genomics and clinical oncology. Co-founders Luis Diaz, MD, and Victor Velculescu, MD, PhD, are internationally recognized leaders in cancer genomics who have extensive experience in the practical application of advanced genomic technologies to research, drug development and clinical practice. PGDx's CLIA-certified facility provides personalized cancer genome analyses to patients and their physicians. For more information, visit http://www.personalgenome.com.

About Human Longevity, Inc.HLI, a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, CA was founded in 2013 by pioneers in the fields of genomics and stem cell therapy. Using advances in genomic sequencing, the human microbiome, proteomics, informatics, computing, and cell therapy technologies, HLI is building the world's most comprehensive database of human genotypes and phenotypes as a basis for a variety of commercialization opportunities to help solve aging related disease and human biological decline. HLI will be licensing access to its database, and developing new diagnostics and therapeutics as part of their product offerings. For more information please visitwww.humanlongevity.com

Contacts

PGDx Corporate: Antony Newton Chief Commercial Officer 443-602-8833 anewton@personalgenome.com

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Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc. And Human Longevity, Inc ...

BALTIMORE and LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc. (PGDx), a provider of advanced cancer genome analysis and testing services, and Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI), the human health information technology and health care company, today announced that HLI will have access to PGDx's cancer genomics solutions to expand its analysis of cancer genomes, including CancerSelect, PlasmaSelect, CancerXome, METDetect and CancerComplete. HLI has also licensed the PGDx Enterprise Solution platform, which is a turnkey solution that enables laboratories to conduct their own advanced cancer genomic testing using next-generation sequencing.

PGDx co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Luis Diaz, MD, noted, "As pioneers in the field of cancer genomics, we are delighted to be collaborating with HLI, a visionary company co-founded by genomics legend J. Craig Venter." PGDx co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Victor Velculescu, MD, PhD, added, "HLI's commitment to changing the way medicine is practiced by systematically harnessing genomics data to address aging-associated diseases aligns well with our goal of transforming the treatment of cancer by enabling researchers, physicians and patients to use genomics data to advance and personalize cancer therapy."

PGDx applies its advanced genomic methods to identify and characterize the unique genomic alterations in tumors using tissue and liquid biopsies from cancer patients. The ES platform utilizes PGDx's proprietary bioinformatics software pipeline that provides industry-leading sensitivity and specificity, while maximizing accuracy in detecting multiple types of tumor-specific mutations. PGDx's targeted gene panels focus on well-characterized genes that have been selected for their high biologic importance in cancer and their relevance to drug targets and pathways.

HLI is building the world's largest and most comprehensive database of human genomic and phenotype data. The company has signed agreements with academic medical centers and large biotechnology companies to sequence and analyze human genomes, including those of cancer patients, to determine more precise treatments and more details about the specific tumor and cancer in that patient. The PGDx suite of solutions will enable even greater precision and detail for HLI's customers and their patients.

As part of the agreement, HLI will perform sequencing and analysis for select PGDx customers and for their own research activities.

"Having access to PGDx's capabilities, targeted cancer panels and Enterprise Solution platform for advanced cancer genomic testing is another important component to our already comprehensive and accurate database of human biological data," said J. Craig Venter, PhD, HLI's Co-founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to be partnering with PGDx and the extensive cancer genomics expertise and technology innovations developed by the world-class research team at PGDx."

About Personal Genome DiagnosticsPersonal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx) provides advanced cancer genome analyses to oncologyresearchers, drug developers, clinicians and patients. The company uses advanced genomic methods and its deep expertise in cancer biology to identify and characterize the unique genomic alterations in tumors. PGDx's proprietary methods for genome sequencing and analysis are complemented by its extensive experience in cancer genomics and clinical oncology. Co-founders Luis Diaz, MD, and Victor Velculescu, MD, PhD, are internationally recognized leaders in cancer genomics who have extensive experience in the practical application of advanced genomic technologies to research, drug development and clinical practice. PGDx's CLIA-certified facility provides personalized cancer genome analyses to patients and their physicians. For more information, visit http://www.personalgenome.com.

About Human Longevity, Inc.HLI, a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, CA was founded in 2013 by pioneers in the fields of genomics and stem cell therapy. Using advances in genomic sequencing, the human microbiome, proteomics, informatics, computing, and cell therapy technologies, HLI is building the world's most comprehensive database of human genotypes and phenotypes as a basis for a variety of commercialization opportunities to help solve aging related disease and human biological decline. HLI will be licensing access to its database, and developing new diagnostics and therapeutics as part of their product offerings. For more information please visitwww.humanlongevity.com

Contacts

PGDx Corporate: Antony Newton Chief Commercial Officer 443-602-8833 anewton@personalgenome.com

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Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc. And Human Longevity, Inc. Sign Cancer Genomics Agreement

London: A Silicon Valley entrepreneur has launched a $1 million prize challenging scientists to discover the 'elixir of life' and push human lifespan past its apparent maximum of about 120 years.

Fifteen scientific teams have so far entered the prize to find the elusive fountain of youth.

According to hedge fund manager Dr Joon Yun, the chance of dying between ages 25 and 26 is only 0.1 per cent.

He now wants scientists to "hack the code of life" and push human lifespan past its apparent maximum of about 120 years, the Guardian reported.

Dr Yun believes it is possible to "solve aging" and get people to live, healthily, more or less indefinitely.

Dr Yun plans to offer more money for feats above and beyond until longevity is no longer an "issue."

Dr Yun is not the only one who sees a new flowering of anti-aging research.

In 2013, Google launched California Life Company (Calico) with a mission to reverse engineer the biology that controls lifespan and "devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives."

In 2014, pioneering American biologist and technologist Craig Venter along with the founder of the X Prize Foundation, Peter Diamandis, announced a new company called Human Longevity Inc.

The company plans to create a database of 1 million human genome sequences by 2020 that will give key information for a longer, healthier life.

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$1 Million Prize to Extend Human Life Beyond 120

Human Longevity, Inc.Human Longevity, Inc. was formed to revolutionize medicine and prolong healthy life. Human Longevity, Inc is constructing a robust sequencing operation to compile the most comprehensive and complete human genotype, microbiome, metabolome, proteome, and phenotype database available. As part of this process HLI is building one of the largest human genome sequencing centers in the world. While Human Longevity, Inc is continuing to grow, we are looking for people who share our common goal and passion of changing healthcare and extending the healthy human lifespan.Purpose of Role Human Longevity, Inc. is looking for a Key Account Manager to manage all aspects of relationship management for key accounts in the Pharmaceutical industry.Tasks and Responsibilities Understand all contractual obligations and expectations associated with certain key accountsEstablish solid communication and reporting mechanisms internally and externallyServe a they key contact person and liaison between key account and ... Human Longevity, Inc.Human Longevity, Inc. was formed to revolutionize medicine and prolong healthy life. Human Longevity, Inc is constructing a robust sequencing operation to compile the most comprehensive and complete human genotype, microbiome, metabolome, proteome, and phenotype database available. As part of this process HLI is building one of the largest human genome sequencing centers in the world. While Human Longevity, Inc is continuing to grow, we are looking for people who share our common goal and passion of changing healthcare and extending the healthy human lifespan.Purpose of Role Human Longevity, Inc. is looking for a Key Account Manager to manage all aspects of relationship management for key accounts in the Pharmaceutical industry.Tasks and Responsibilities Understand all contractual obligations and expectations associated with certain key accountsEstablish solid communication and reporting mechanisms internally and externallyServe a they key contact person and liaison between key account and internal teamUnderstand expectations from key accounts and lead initiatives to address themAnalyze key accounts needs, define goals and propose solutionsAnticipate any potential issues and proactively address them involving key stakeholdersManage orders from customers throughout their lifecycleEnsure all information and status associated with a key account is properly documented, stored and updated in the proper systemsCarefully manage work plans associated with key accounts and follow through with stakeholders as neededDevelop management reports and updatesCollaborate with internal leaders in addressing key accounts needsIdentify new opportunities to be liaised with business developmentMinimum Qualifications (Must have) Bachelors Degree in science-related field. Biology-related focus preferred.English proficiency5+ years of account management experience in the Pharmaceutical industry Proven Project management skillsExperience and understanding of the Pharmaceutical industryThrive in a culture of curiosity, collaboration, authenticity and accountabilitySelf-starter with experience in start-up and growth stage companiesExtreme attention to detailGreat communication skills, concise and influential written and oral communication abilities with and for diverse stakeholdersProficiency with MS Office tools and Sales Force.comPreferred Qualifications Masters of Science, PhD and/or MBA (highly preferred)Big Pharma experience a plusProject management certificationProblem solver and proactive Working Conditions Open office environmentGlobal environment with multiple sites, which may require work beyond standard business hoursProlonged periods of sitting and standingHuman Longevity, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer DISCLAIMER: The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities of an employee to this job. , ,

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Latest Senior Health News

TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- A whale that lives more than 200 years with no signs of age-related disease may give scientists new insight on how people can live longer, healthier lives, a new study finds.

For the first time, British researchers have completed the genetic map ("genome") of a large whale -- the bowhead whale. In doing so, they spotted key differences between the genome of the bowhead whale and other mammals.

Changes in the bowhead's genes tied to aging, cell division, cancer and DNA repair may all play a role in why the whales live so long, according to the study published Jan. 6 in Cell Reports.

"Our understanding of species' differences in longevity is very poor, and thus our findings provide novel candidate genes for future studies," study senior author Dr. Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, of the University of Liverpool, said in a journal news release.

"My view is that species evolved different 'tricks' to have a longer lifespan, and by discovering the 'tricks' used by the bowhead we may be able to apply those findings to humans in order to fight age-related diseases," he added.

The researchers pointed out that large whales like the bowhead have more than 1,000 times more cells than people, and yet they appear to be resistant to cancer. This suggests that these whales may have a natural defense mechanism that suppresses cancer more effectively than other mammals, they said.

Looking ahead, the study authors hope to breed mice with certain bowhead whale genes to determine which are important for longevity and resistance to disease.

The whale genome may also help identify certain adaptations related to the large mammal's size, such as a much lower metabolic rate.

-- Mary Elizabeth Dallas

Excerpt from:
200-Year-Old Whale May Give Clues to Human Longevity

Reuters

WHAT'S THEIR SECRET?: Bowhead whales are said to live for more than 200 years with low rates of disease.

Bowhead whales are most likely the longest-living mammals on the planet. There's evidence - some of it in the form of Victorian-era harpoons embedded in blubber - that they can live as long as 200 years. And there are humans who'd like to get a little slice of that longevity for themselves.

This week, some of them took the first step to stealing the bowhead whale's secrets: they sequenced its genome. Their results have now been published in biomedical research journal Cell.

"I think that having the genome sequence of the bowhead whale will allow researchers to study basic molecular processes and identify maintenance mechanisms that help preserve life, avoid entropy and repair molecular damage," said corresponding author Joao Pedro de Magalhaes of the University of Liverpool.

Most research experiments try to model human decay and disease in other animals to learn how to cure it, Magalhaes said. But he hopes he can find organisms that are resistant to certain diseases - and to some extent, perhaps even aging itself - and use those tools to better human health.

Of particular interest is the whales' resistance to cancer. The species can weigh as much as 100 tons, and has thousands of times more cells than a human. So statistically, it would make sense for the whales to exhibit more instances of cancer. But examination hasn't found this to be so.

Magalhaes and his colleagues did find differences between bowhead whales and minke whales (close relatives who only live about 50 years) in genes related to cell cycle, DNA repair, cancer and aging. He believes that bowhead whales may be better at repairing DNA damage, which would keep them alive longer and protect them from diseases like cancer.

But Magalhaes didn't find any important genes in common with the other long-living mammal he's sequenced, the naked mole rat. "Some pathways may be in common in long-lived species, like DNA damage responses, but the specific genes involved seem to be different," he said.

He believes that these two species each work with their own bag of evolutionary tricks - and he hopes that humans could borrow a few of them.

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Whale genes clue to reverse human aging

The secret to anti-aging may lie in the genes of a particularly robust whale species. Bowhead whales can reach 200 years of age and are the longest living mammal on earth. They spend their lives relatively disease-free, including from cancer, a fact that scientists say could prove useful in studies on human longevity. Researchers from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom sequenced the whales genome for the first time and identified certain mutations in genes involved in DNA repair, aging and cell maintenance that may contribute to the whales endurance, a study published Monday in the journal Cell Reports indicated.

"We believe that different species evolved different 'tricks' to have a long lifespan, and by discovering those used by the bowhead whale we may be able to apply these findings to humans in order to fight age-related diseases, Joo Pedro de Magalhes, a geneticist and lead author of the study, said in a statement. The team found as many as 80 genes in the whales DNA that could play a role in keeping cancer and other diseases at bay. He added pinpointing new candidate genes in mammal species could even lead to new drug therapies.

Scientists have long been in search of the proverbial fountain of youth. Previous research has shown while all humans certainly age, not everyone ages at the same rate. Some peoples cells deteriorate faster than those of others, Timereported in 2010. The reason, scientists have claimed, has to do with a persons telomeres, the bits of DNA that protect the bodys chromosomes -- the thread-like molecules contain all genetic data. Telomeres are often likened to the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Every time a cell replicates itself, these telomeres fray or shorten. The shortening process has been linked with aging and age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease, according to the Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The key to slowing down an individuals biological clock may be controlling the length of the telomeres in a persons chromosomes, scientists have suggested. "We know DNA damage and DNA mutation are important for cancer, Magalhes told CBS News. So when we find genes related to DNA repair and DNA damage responses, we think maybe this could be involved in longevity and disease resistance of the bowhead. He described the whales genes as promising leads in the search for an anti-aging mechanism.

Bowhead whales are found in the Arctic and are among the planets largest creatures. Adult bowheads can weigh 75- to 100 tons.

Commercial whaling in the 19th and early 20th centuries drove their populations into the ground. By the 1920s, there were just 3,000 bowheads left worldwide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of Protected Resources. Their population today is estimated at more than 24,900 worldwide.

What surprised scientists most about the bowhead was that even with about 1,000 times as many cells as humans, the whales probability of developing cancer and other age-related diseases was significantly lower. One genetic mutation involved a gene called ERCC1, which helps repair damaged DNA and may help the whale fend off cancer. Researchers also found a mutation in a gene called UCP1, which helps regulate metabolism.

These differences suggest "the existence of natural mechanisms that can suppress cancer more effectively in these animals, researchers wrote in their report. Studying these differences in more detail could help researchers identify maintenance mechanisms that help preserve life, avoid entropy, and repair molecular damage.

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Bowhead Whale Genome May Hold Clues To Human Longevity

The Bowhead whale may harbor the secret to longevity, according to a new study that describes its genome.

Native to the Arctic, the bowheadis big and strong and can live 200 years, possibly the longest lifespan of any mammal. But why does it live so long? That question has intrigued University of Liverpool scientist Joao Pedro Magalhaes for a long time.

Why do human beings age slower than other primates?" he says. "Why do mice age so much faster than humans or whales? And likewise, why do bowhead whales seem to live longer than human beings and seem to be protected against some age-related disease like cancer?

Magalhaes says this remains a mystery. But in sequencing the genome, the scientists looked for patterns comparing the bowhead to other closely related, but shorter-lived species, such as the Minke whale. Magalhaes says the team focused on identifying genes with bowhead specific mutations.

We looked for genes that are duplicated that is, they have multiple copies in the bowhead whale, but not in other related species. And this revealed a number of promising leads.

In the journal Cell Reports, Magalhaes and colleagues describe alterations in bowhead genes related to cell division, DNA repair, cancer and aging. Magalhaes says different long-lived species use different tricks to evolve a long life span. He wants to uncover the natural mechanism that triggers that process.

If I can figure out what are these tricks in the bowhead and what makes them live so long and protects against diseases, we can then try to apply them to human beings, which could involve pharmacological interventions or pharmacological targeting of particular genes," he said. "It could involve gene therapy.

The next step, he says, is to breed mice with bowhead whale genes, to determine the importance of different longevity and age-related mutations. But the sequence has other applications, too: understanding population dynamics and genetic diversity can help conservationists working to protect the species, which is threated by habitat loss and toxins in the environment.

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Study: Bowhead Whale Genome May Hold Secret to Longevity