Story perspectives

New Epigenetic Clock Accurately Ages Dolphins, Aids Conservation

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers developed a molecular epigenetic clock to estimate common dolphins' age from skin samples.
This method overcomes limitations of traditional tooth aging, which can underestimate ages in older dolphins.
The clock predicts age within two years, but accuracy declines for older individuals due to biological changes.
The study of 75 dolphins from New Zealand shows the tool helps estimate survival and reproductive rates in wild populations amid growing human threats.

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Story summary

Researchers developed a molecular epigenetic clock to estimate common dolphins' age from skin samples.
This method overcomes limitations of traditional tooth aging, which can underestimate ages in older dolphins.
The clock predicts age within two years, but accuracy declines for older individuals due to biological changes.
The study of 75 dolphins from New Zealand shows the tool helps estimate survival and reproductive rates in wild populations amid growing human threats.