A new discovery explains the "immortality" of Greenland sharks (4 photos + 1 video)

The case of "immortal" sharks, which can live up to 500 years, has taken an unexpected turn. Scientists hope that solving the mystery of these fish's longevity will help people.





One of the rare Greenland sharks in the ocean depths

Not much is known about the Greenland shark, which lives in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic seas. The maximum length is 7 m, and the weight is 1.2 tons. Sexual maturity occurs at the age of about 150 years.

The oldest living specimen has been sailing the icy waters since 1624. It is older than Peter the Great, who was born in 1672. The ancient monster was discovered by a research team from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), which determined its age using carbon dating.



Researchers are trying to figure out the reason for their longevity

Despite the fact that these unique sea creatures are rare, since they live at depths of several hundred meters, scientists around the world are desperately trying to unravel the mystery of their longevity.

Previous research has identified an important factor - muscle metabolic activity. This coincides with the popular "pace of life" theory, according to which lifespan is linked to the speed of metabolic processes in the body.

However, new data suggests that the cold environment plays a key role.

Greenland sharks live at depths where the temperature fluctuates between -1.8 and 7.5°C.

Living at such low temperatures slows down all chemical and biological reactions in their bodies - and this may be the reason for their "immortality".





The people of Iceland and Greenland have hunted Greenland sharks for centuries

Another indicator is the isolated habitat, untouched by humans.

Professor Holly Shiels, from the University of Manchester, said: "They live in places that are difficult for humans to get to. And they have very few natural predators other than humans. So they can live for a very long time."

A study presented by Ewan Camplisson, from the University of Manchester, at the annual conference of the Society for Experimental Biology in Prague, showed that the metabolism of the Greenland shark remains constant throughout its life.

He explained: "Most animals have changes in metabolism as they age. Our data supports the idea that the Greenland shark does not show the signs of ageing that other species do."



The meat is used to make a traditional Icelandic dish called hakartl

The scientists conducted tests on preserved muscle tissue samples and measured the metabolic activity of enzymes. The team found no significant differences in the indicators at different ages.

"My main goal is to preserve this species, and the best way to do this is to study it. By studying the Greenland shark and its heart, we may be able to better understand our own cardiovascular system," Camplisson added.

The study of this animal's tissue at the Arctic University of Norway should shed light on how climate change and pollution affect marine life in the long term.