The blind mole rat is a species that ranges from southeastern Europe to Iran. This species is an important object in medical research to prolong life and fight cancer in humans.
Our world is filled with strange and interesting creatures. Every once in a while, you might come across or read about a species that you just can't decide whether it's cute, adorable, or downright scary! Blind mole rats are also one of them, they can put you in such a dilemma.
Blind mole rats belong to the family Spalacidae and they have 2 different subspecies: small blind mole rats (Spalax leucodon), and large blind mole rats. They are mainly found around the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, from the Balkans through Ukraine, Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, and into Egypt and Libya. They are underground rodents covered in dense fur, appear to have no ears and no eyes, with large teeth protruding from the outside of their mouths.
Where are the eyes of a blind mole?
All blind mole rats, as their name suggests, are blind. But that doesn't mean this animal has no eyes. In fact, they are not completely blind and they have rather rudimentary eyes, with a diameter of about 1 mm located under the skin and fur. But these eyes serve a very different purpose than the human eye. The eyes of a blind mole can only perceive light. It has been studied that removing the eyes disturbs their perception of the photoperiod.
Thermoregulation, reproduction and hibernation – all of these behaviors are important in mammals, which require them to recognize changes in the photoperiod. Therefore, the small eyes of blind mole rats have an important function in helping them understand the conditions around them. The retinas of their dormant eyes have photoreceptors that can collect the meager light that penetrates the soil and thus act like a light meter.
Blind mole rats are the subject of scientific research due to their ability to fight cancer
Blind mole rats do not get cancer because their cells can end their lives with a toxic protein when they multiply rapidly. They can live up to 20 years, which is at least 10 times longer than a mouse of similar size. Their anti-cancer ability may explain to some extent this longevity.
In fact, one study also found that all blind mole rats were able to tolerate very high doses of chemotherapy drugs with minimal side effects. The scientists hope that if they can learn more about how exactly blind mole rats gain this resistance, it may be possible to develop a cancer treatment for humans that could exploit the positive and beneficial aspects without creating any harm.
Other interesting facts
1. Blind moles don't use their claws to burrow
Most underground burrowing rodents will use their claws to burrow, but these little friends will not. All blind mole rats use their heads, snouts, and mostly mouths to create intricate tunnel mazes underground.
They have chisels-sized incisors and powerful jaw muscles that enable them to dig up soil ten times their own weight.
2. Blind mole rats can live in places with near-zero oxygen levels
Blind mole rats can live in extremely low oxygen conditions. They can last up to five hours at oxygen levels as low as 3%. According to research, they can also survive in an atmosphere with 80% CO 2.
It has been observed that when oxygen levels are very low, blind mole rats enter a hypnotic-like metabolic state, and their heart rates drop very low. But when oxygen is restored, they can fully recover and continue to function as if nothing happened.
Scientists who study naked mole rats suggest that moles survive without oxygen by transforming themselves into plants - not literally, of course. Other mammals, including us, break down glucose for energy, but that process requires oxygen, and without oxygen, brain cells will start to die! But mole rats have high levels of fructose and sucrose in their bodies, as well as GLUT5, a molecule that can transport fructose into their cells. Accordingly, they will use fructose for energy, instead of breaking down glucose.
3. Israeli archaeologists think that blind mole rats can become a good assistant in the excavation process
Israeli archaeologists suggest that the blind mole rats may have been capable members of the team to help them excavate historical sites. It may seem like a funny proposition, but in reality, these animals are excellent diggers and can dig up soil nearly ten times their own weight.
Accordingly, if trained, they can help archaeologists dig historical objects from underground. Also, by systematically studying mole dirt, archaeologists can have a fairly accurate idea of what areas they should focus on when conducting excavations.
To be honest, mole rats are strange, unique creatures that continue to intrigue scientists about their biology.
