Research gene turtle to treat cardiovascular disease

Scientists have deciphered the genome of the colorful tortoise called "western painted turtle" in order to seek effective treatment of heart disease and stroke in humans, according to Health24.

The team identified 19 genes in the turtle's brain and 23 genes in the turtle's heart will be activated when the oxygen level is low. These genes are also present in humans.

Turtles grow in a way that makes people jealous. They resist aging, can reproduce when they grow up.

People need to learn a lot about them, said Richard Wilson, director of the Gene Institute of the University of Washington (USA), a member of the research team.

They found that, instead of using inherent genes, turtles have the ability to fight oxygen deprivation by activating new gene systems also in humans and using these genes in a completely new way.

Mr. Bradley Shaffer at the University of California (USA), who led the study, said we need to quickly study this turtle to discover their mysteries to benefit human health.

The number of turtles in the world is decreasing because of climate change and because they are the favorite food of people.

Research published in Genome Biology.