Sharks That Live for 400 Years May Help Save Human Sight

Greenland sharks are among the most mysterious creatures of the oceans. These slow-moving giants inhabit the icy waters of the North Atlantic and are primarily known for their incredible longevity. Scientists estimate that they can live for more than 400 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on Earth.

Now, it turns out they could also help humans. New research suggests that Greenland sharks possess unique mechanisms that protect their eyes from age-related damage. While most animals experience a gradual deterioration of vision with age, these sharks' eyes maintain surprisingly good functionality even after hundreds of years of life.

Scientists examined the eye tissues of several individuals and found that their cells exhibit an extraordinary ability to repair damaged DNA. DNA damage is one of the main factors of aging and is behind the development of many eye diseases, including some forms of macular degeneration or cataracts.

Researchers believe that understanding these biological processes could, in the future, contribute to the development of new methods for treating human eye diseases. Although practical application is still distant, the discovery offers a fascinating insight into how nature solves problems associated with aging.

Greenland sharks are also exceptional in their pace of life. They grow very slowly, mature only around 150 years of age, and spend most of their time in deep, cold waters. Their extremely slow metabolism may be one of the reasons for their extraordinary longevity.

This research shows that sharks are not just top predators of the oceans. They can also be a source of valuable knowledge that will one day help improve human health. Every new discovery reminds us how important it is to protect these fascinating creatures and continue to study their unique biology.

Author: Miri Svobodová

Source: Phys.org, research teams focusing on Greenland shark biology