Researchers are studying bowhead whales to understand their longevity, with some studies suggesting that a protein known as CIRBP may hold the key to their long lifespan. Some reports indicate that understanding this secret could potentially help humans live up to 200 years, although the connection between whale longevity and human lifespan is still being explored. The university of rochester has been awarded funding to investigate a factor that may drive aging, which may be related to the whales' longevity.