Greenland sharks are fascinating creatures known for their incredibly slow-paced lives. Their heart beats once every 12 seconds, they swim slowly, and they grow just one centimeter a year. Remarkably, they don’t reach sexual maturity until they’re 150 years old, and they can live for over 200 years, possibly up to 400. Recent research has shown that these sharks maintain their eyesight well into old age, challenging the belief that they were blind. This discovery could provide insights into aging and potentially help extend human life spans. A new study examined the sharks’ hearts, revealing signs of aging such as fibrosis and damaged cell components, unlike other species studied. Despite these signs, the sharks’ hearts continue to function for centuries, offering a unique perspective on longevity.
QUESTION: How might understanding the aging process of Greenland sharks influence future research on human aging and longevity?
How a Greenland shark’s heart can beat for centuries
