400-YEAR-OLD SHARKS MAY HOLD KEY TO LONGEVITY

A shark that lives for almost four centuries could hold the secret to a longer life. Greenland sharks, with a lifespan of up to 392 years, are thought to possess unique longevity genes now being searched for by scientists. Professor Kim Praebel, from the Arctic University of Norway, says Greenland sharks are the longest living vertebrate on the planet. They are currently sequencing its whole genome. The team has taken fin clippings from almost 100 Greenland sharks, including some individuals born in the 1750s. The “long life” genes could shed light on why most vertebrates have such a limited life span, and what determines life expectancy in different species, including humans.
* One clue: These sharks never eat hot dogs.
* How do they know these sharks are 400 years old? Are they still using iPhone OS1?
* Did Betty White ever date one?
* Did they cut one open and find a Pilgrim hat?
* So, with shark DNA, humans might be able to live 400 years. The bad news – you’d better like fish.
* Great – people walking around for 400 years trying to bite your legs off at the knee.