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CSIRO scientists discover method to calculate lifespan in animals
“Until now it has been difficult to estimate lifespan for most wild animals, particularly long-living species of marine mammals and fish.” - Dr Ben Mayne, CSIRO.

Findings could prove beneficial for conservation

Researchers at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have developed a new method to estimate the lifespan of a species.

The discovery will greatly improve conservation and wildlife management, which has previously relied on observing the life span of wild animals. The natural human lifespan was found to be 38 years, matching estimates for early modern humans. This has of course been extended by medical advancements and lifestyle changes.

Postdoctoral fellow with CSIRO’s Environomics Future Science Platform Dr Ben Mayne said: “Our method for estimating maximum natural lifespan is based on DNA. If a species’ genome sequence is known, we can estimate its lifespan.

“Until now it has been difficult to estimate lifespan for most wild animals, particularly long-living species of marine mammals and fish.”

According to a statement, the researchers used genomes of animals with known lifespans from public databases, such as the Animal Ageing and Longevity Database, to calibrate their method.

Researchers were also able to uncover the lifespan of extinct species, such as the wooly mammoth (60 years) through assembling a new genome from that of the modern African elephant.

Dr Mayne continues: “There are many genes linked to lifespan, but differences in the DNA sequences of those genes doesn’t seem to explain differences in lifespan between different species.

“Instead, we think that the density of a special type of DNA change, called DNA methylation, determines maximum natural lifespan in vertebrates.

“DNA methylation does not change a gene’s sequence but helps control whether and when it is switched on.

“Using the known lifespans of 252 different vertebrate species, we were able to accurately predict lifespan from the density of DNA methylation occurring within 42 different genes.

“These genes are likely to be good targets for studying ageing, which is of huge biomedical and ecological significance.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.