Analysis of functional deterioration of the blood system during ageing has been largely confined to the mouse and human system. In this issue, Emmrich et al (2022) report the first comprehensive characterisation of the haematopoietic system of the naked mole-rat (NMR), an exceptionally long-lived rodent, highlighting its unique features and uncovering potential strategies to sustain haematopoiesis during an extended lifetime.
© 2022 The Authors.