Giant dogs lose DNA controls faster, offering clues to ageing

Researchers have identified an epigenetic pattern that may help explain why larger dogs age faster and tend to die younger than smaller dogs. The finding matters because dogs’ contrasting lifespans offer a way to study ageing, and the results point to reduced control of mobile DNA as a possible contributor.

Using data from 864 dogs in the Dog Aging Project, scientists found that giant breeds lost about 35 per cent more methylation on LINE1 “jumping genes” each year than small breeds. These DNA elements can move around the genome and cause damage when they are less tightly regulated. The article also highlights other October research, including trapping a single antimatter particle for months and tattoos that appear only under ultraviolet light.