A giant tortoise named Jonathan, believed to be nearly 200 years old, has become the first of his kind to contribute his epigenome to aging research. Scientists say Jonathan reinforces what is known from humans about healthy aging, according to a report on October 9.

The epigenome is the set of chemical marks that switch genes on and off over a lifetime. Studying it in an animal that has lived two centuries could reveal how some creatures age so slowly.

Jonathan’s extraordinary lifespan makes him a living laboratory for longevity science. Researchers hope the data will deepen understanding of why aging rates differ so much between species.

The tortoise’s contribution is a reminder that the oldest animals can teach us the newest science. His slow, steady life may hold fast answers.

Healthy aging is one of the biggest puzzles in biology, and Jonathan may hold clues that labs alone cannot find.