The Greenland Shark is nowhere near as well-known as the Great White, but it ought to be. This shark species doesn’t wow us with its predatory skills (although it does have a bit of a funny way of feeding), but because they live for more than 400 years – as such it could potentially be the reason we can increase human life expectancy.
In order to harness the secret to a long life, scientists have looked into why these sharks live so long. The answer seems to lie in their enzymes and how their metabolic rate doesn’t slow down with age, which it definitely does in humans.
Greenland Sharks Can Live for Centuries
Greenland sharks are believed to be the longest-living vertebrates on the planet, with some potentially reaching 400 to 500 years old. One shark that died in 2016 was estimated to have been born around 1620, making it older than the United States itself.
What Makes These Sharks So Long-Lived?
While it’s still a mystery why Greenland sharks live so long, scientists think their slow growth rate and low metabolic rate play a big role. These sharks grow just about 0.4 inches per year and can reach up to 24 feet in length, weighing as much as 2,220 pounds.
Snatching Prey via Suction
Greenland sharks have a unique hunting method, often using suction to snatch their prey. With their strong jaws and powerful muscles, these sharks can create a vacuum-like effect, pulling in fish, seals, and other marine animals. This technique is particularly useful in the deep, dark waters where they live, helping them catch food efficiently.
Metabolic Rate That Defies Aging
Recent research shows that Greenland sharks do not experience a significant drop in their muscle’s metabolic rate as they age. This is vastly different from other animals, including humans, whose metabolism tends to slow down, leading to various age-related health issues.
How Understanding Shark Metabolism Could Help Humans
Understanding the unique metabolic adaptations of Greenland sharks could unlock new ways to maintain human metabolic health as we age. If we can mimic their ability to maintain a stable metabolic rate, it might help delay age-related diseases and extend our lifespan by a decade or more.
Studying the Shark’s Enzymes for Clues
PhD student Ewan Camplisson has been studying the activity of five metabolic enzymes in preserved Greenland shark muscle tissue. He found no significant variation in the enzyme activity, which suggests that these sharks have a unique way of maintaining their metabolic processes throughout their long lives.
What Is an Enzyme?
An enzyme is a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. They play a crucial role in processes like digestion, metabolism, and energy production. In the case of Greenland sharks, enzymes help regulate their metabolism, which scientists believe is key to their remarkable longevity.
The Sharks’ Unique Habitat Plays a Role
Greenland sharks are found mostly in the deep, cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. This frigid environment is thought to contribute to their slow metabolism and long lifespan, as it requires less energy to survive in such conditions.
Greenland Sharks and Cardiovascular Health
Researchers believe that studying the Greenland shark’s heart could provide insights into human cardiovascular health. As heart disease becomes more common with age, understanding how these sharks maintain their heart health over centuries could lead to new treatments for heart conditions in humans.
Could Humans Ever Live to 400?
While it’s unlikely that humans will ever reach the 400-year lifespan of a Greenland shark, the research being done could still have significant benefits. Even extending human life expectancy by a decade would be a major breakthrough, improving the quality of life for millions.
The Future of Longevity Research
The research on Greenland sharks is just beginning; there’s still quite some distance to go before these sharks can help us increase our life expectancy. As scientists continue to study these ancient creatures, they hope to unlock the secrets of longevity that could one day benefit us all. The goal is to turn the findings into practical treatments for aging-related diseases.
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