Naked mole rats may hold the key to reversing the menopause in humans.
Naked mole rats could hold the secret to reversing the menopause
The subterranean rodents are known for exceptional fertility and the female queen can continue giving birth into old age.
Scientists had previously been puzzled as to how the naked mole rats could continue to produce eggs throughout their lives but a new study by US researchers has shown that they are born with an exceptionally large number of eggs that continue to develop for the duration of their life cycle.
If scientists are able to find out what genetic process triggers the continued production of eggs even after birth, it could enable them to help women to continue having children later in life.
Professor Ned Place, of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, said: "This finding is extraordinary.
"It challenges the dogma that was established nearly 70 years ago, which stated female mammals are endowed with a finite number of eggs before or shortly after birth, without any additions being made to the ovarian reserve thereafter."