Greenland sharks spotted off UK coast could inform aging research

A rare type of shark known for its long lifespan has been spotted off the coast of the UK. The Greenland shark can live for up to 400 years, making it one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Researchers believe studying this species might help humans learn how to extend our own lives. Greenland sharks can be found in deep waters, often down to about 2,000 meters. They are known as "sleeper sharks" because they swim very slowly, at an average speed of just 0.76 miles per hour. Despite being mostly blind, they can catch prey like seals by drifting quietly and using a quick burst of speed to ambush. In 2022, a 100-year-old Greenland shark washed up on a beach in Cornwall. This event allowed scientists to conduct an autopsy, which was the first of its kind in the UK. The researchers found that the shark had meningitis, which may shed light on the health challenges faced by deep-sea creatures. Scientists have been studying Greenland sharks since a breakthrough in 2016, when researchers discovered how to calculate their age using radiocarbon dating. This research suggests that the sharks do not reproduce until they are around 156 years old. By examining the unique biology of Greenland sharks, scientists hope to unlock secrets related to aging and longevity. Such discoveries could have important implications for human health in the future.