How the Greenland shark can live for centuries
CNNEditor’s note: A version of this story appeared in CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. After mapping and studying their extraordinary genomes, scientists think the sharks’ unusually long lifespans are rooted in their unique genetic makeup — with insights that could be used to extend human lifespans. Now, scientists studying the remains have confirmed the “really stocky, powerful-looking little animal” is indeed one of the elusive marine mammals, said Anton van Helden, an expert on some of the world’s rarest whales. We are family An illustration depicts early Europeans who lived in what's now Ranis, Germany, around 45,000 years ago and likely traveled together across the open steppe landscape. Tom Björklund/Max Planck Institute Ancient DNA retrieved from bone fragments found in a cave beneath a medieval castle have helped scientists pinpoint when prehistoric humans encountered Neanderthals and made babies with them.
History of this topic
Greenland sharks have massive genomes. Scientists think they could be the reason behind 400-year-long lifespans
CNN
Greenland sharks have massive genomes. Scientists think they could be the reason behind 400-year-long lifespans
CNN
A Greenland shark, one of the longest-living animals on Earth, was caught near Belize
NPR
Post mortem of ‘extraordinary’ Greenland shark reveals it had meningitis
The Independent
Greenland sharks may live 400 years, researchers say
Live Mint
This shark may have been alive in the time of Shakespeare – and fishermen just killed it
The Independent
These animals outlive humans: Top 10 longest living critters
Associated Press
Greenland shark now oldest living animal with backbone
Associated Press
A 400-year-old shark? Greenland shark could be Earth’s longest-lived vertebrate
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