Most people are familiar with the naked mole rat. Maybe not on a personal basis, but on the grounds that they’re hands-down one of the ugliest creatures in the animal kingdom. This wrinkly African rodent doesn’t exactly have the best reputation – they spend their lives underground keeping up their bizarre appearances. But, did you know that they’re actually pretty remarkable and resilient? Follow along for some fascinating proof.

1) Their wrinkly skin makes them immune to cancer

Yes, you heard us right! Naked mole rats are impervious to this disease. Researchers took notice in the tiny rodent when they discovered that some were living up to 30 years. Intrigued by their brilliant health and long life-spans, scientists studied these little guys a little more.

What they found was that they produce a sugar called hyaluronic acid, the same thing that gives them such wrinkly, flexible skin. While all animals produce hyaluronan, naked mole rats have a genetic mutation that causes them to produce molecules 5 times the size of other mice, rats, and humans. The mutation makes their skin loose and also prevents their cells from growing tumors.

2) They can survive 18 minutes without oxygen

Think we’re dealing with a super-hero yet? Try this one on for size. Naked mole rats can survive in different environments with no oxygen for almost 20 minutes. Researchers believe they’ve been able to achieve this feat due to their subterranean lifestyle.

Entertain this brief magical moment in science: mammals require oxygen to convert glucose into energy. Without this process, we would quickly die. But naked mole rats have another trick up their wrinkly sleeve! If deprived of oxygen, they switch over to metabolizing fructose in their brain cells, much like plants.

3) They are resistant to pain

They may be soft and wrinkly, but they’re tough! Studies have shown that naked mole rats are much less sensitive to pain than other animals. Research indicates that they have a tiny alteration to a molecule involved in pain sensation.

Researcher Gary Lewin explained to Science Daily, “They live in desert regions underground, and they have to do a lot of work to get their food. They have the lowest metabolic rate of any mammal. Evolution has shut down everything that is not absolutely necessary — including extra nerve receptors.”

4) Their DNA is self-repairing

While scientists attribute the naked mole rat’s naturally long life-span to their anti-cancer abilities, it is seemingly not the sole reason. For most mammals, age accelerates mortality. But not for this rodent! Not only do they resist physically aging, but studies also show that their DNA can repair itself.

Much like humans, naked mole rats have unregulated DNA repair pathways. It’s these pathways that allow the body to repair organ damage.

5) They have a social hierarchy much like ants do

Naked mole rats are the only mammals who are eusocial, which means they maintain social hierarchies like bees and ants. They have highly organized underground communities with rooms and tunnels. They also have a queen, as well as workers and soldiers.

6) They aren’t naked, or a mole, or even a rat

Odd but fascinating, these creatures undoubtedly defy many of life’s obstacles, including what to call them! While you may not be able to see them, they do have about 100 fine hairs on their body that act as feeling whiskers. And while they may burrow like moles, and resemble a rat, they’re more closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs.

While these fleshy, underground rodents may not be winning any beauty pageants, they certainly hold many important keys for science and research. Fortunately, due to their secluded and concealed habitats, naked mole rats are not endangered and can offer us important clues for times to come.

Still curious? Take a quick peek into their fascinating lives in the video below!

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Sources: Ranker, San Diego Zoo, IFL Science