Naked mole rats are unique in many ways. For one, they're the only mammals with a hive mind, obeying their queen as if they were ants.
According to the scientists, the mole rat's cells express a gene that tells cells to stop dividing. The gene, called p16, forms a second ring of defense against cancer. Most mammals, including humans, only have one gene, p27, protecting cells from cancer. And while most cancers know a way around p27, p16 stops them cold.
Some other mole rat facts: their lips are behind their front teeth, they breathe mostly through their skin, and acid doesn't really burn them. I don't know what planet these things are from, but if they're helping cure cancer, I'm glad they're here.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2009-10/hideous-rodent-may-provide-cure-cancer
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