From Greenland Sharks to Glass Sponges, here's a look at the top five animals that live for more than 100 years.

From Greenland Sharks to Glass Sponges, here's a look at the top five animals that live for more than 100 years.

From Greenland Sharks to Glass Sponges, 5 animals that live for more than 100 years

The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round. Some sharks of this species may have been swimming in these waters since the colonial era, but researchers are only now beginning to unravel the secrets of their longevity.

<h2>The longest-living vertebrate</h2>

In 2016, research confirmed that the Greenland shark holds the title of the longest-living vertebrate. Estimates suggest these sharks can live up to 400 years, with some individuals possibly reaching lifespans anywhere from 272 to over 500 years. While scientists had long suspected the shark’s remarkable longevity due to its slow metabolism, they had no way to pinpoint the exact mechanisms—until now.

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<h2>A groundbreaking discovery in shark genomics</h2>

An international team of scientists has mapped the genome of the Greenland shark for the first time, sequencing about 92 per cent of its DNA. This major accomplishment sheds light on the shark’s biological makeup and provides clues to its extraordinary lifespan.

According to Dr. Steve Hoffman, senior author of the new research and computational biologist at the Leibniz Institute on Aging, the genome could reveal critical mutations that contribute to the shark’s longevity.

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<h2>Understanding longevity and human lifespan</h2>

The Greenland shark's exceptional lifespan is not only a scientific marvel but could also offer insights into human longevity. Given the rarity of animals living longer than humans relative to their size and weight, studying these sharks’ ageing mechanisms could open the door to extending human lifespans. The discovery could potentially lead to breakthroughs in ageing research and improve understanding of the biological processes that influence human health and longevity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round.

The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round. Some sharks of this species may have been swimming in these waters since the colonial era, but researchers are only now beginning to unravel the secrets of their longevity. The longest-living vertebrate In 2016, research confirmed that the Greenland shark holds the title of the longest-living vertebrate. Estimates suggest these sharks can live up to 400 years, with some individuals possibly reaching lifespans anywhere from 272 to over 500 years. While scientists had long suspected the shark’s remarkable longevity due to its slow metabolism, they had no way to pinpoint the exact mechanisms—until now. Also read | Hundreds of vials of deadly virus go missing from Australian lab in ‘major biosecurity breach' A groundbreaking discovery in shark genomics An international team of scientists has mapped the genome of the Greenland shark for the first time, sequencing about 92 per cent of its DNA. This major accomplishment sheds light on the shark’s biological makeup and provides clues to its extraordinary lifespan. According to Dr. Steve Hoffman, senior author of the new research and computational biologist at the Leibniz Institute on Aging, the genome could reveal critical mutations that contribute to the shark’s longevity. Also read | Omega-6 fatty acid decreasing ability to fight against cancer cells, warns study Understanding longevity and human lifespan The Greenland shark's exceptional lifespan is not only a scientific marvel but could also offer insights into human longevity. Given the rarity of animals living longer than humans relative to their size and weight, studying these sharks’ ageing mechanisms could open the door to extending human lifespans. The discovery could potentially lead to breakthroughs in ageing research and improve understanding of the biological processes that influence human health and longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists say Greenland shark's genome holds clues to extending human lifespan

Greenland sharks live up to a whopping 400 years and even more without showing traditional signs of ageing. Their hearts also remain healthy and a typical Greenland shark is not afflicted by any serious cardiovascular disease. Whatever their secret is, it can also help humans stay young and healthy, scientists believe.&nbsp;

The world's longest-living vertebrates have defied age and scientists have been trying to understand the biological mechanisms that keep them healthy. The belief is that learning about the sharks' anti-ageing ways&nbsp;can also help human beings stay healthier. The main reason seems to be their metabolic activity.

The Greenland sharks live in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic and Antarctic oceans where their extremely slow metabolisms are what help&nbsp;them survive. Other metabolic adaptations seen in these sharks are that their top swimming speed is less than 1.8 miles per hour, and they grow less than 0.4 inches a year. These adaptations might be the reason why these fishes live for several years without showing any signs of ageing.&nbsp;

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<h2>No signs of ageing seen in&nbsp;Greenland sharks</h2>

As we age, changes in enzymatic activity are bound to happen. But these changes have not been seen in Greenland sharks. Enzymes are integral to the chemical reactions that happen within our cells. Ewan Camplisson, a Ph.D. student at the University of Manchester, says that the enzymes from the muscles of Greenland sharks don’t show the kinds of activity that you’d anticipate through ageing.

Camplisson told Newsweek that traditional sign of ageing are missing from these sharks but are seen in most animals. So the researchers are now wondering whether metabolism is the reason for their long life span. By learning how they live so long while keeping their hearts healthy, Camplisson hopes to improve the quality of life of humans, especially older people, who suffer from heart issues more than others.&nbsp;

Talking about a healthy heart, Camplisson said,&nbsp;"If we can understand what adaptations allow the Greenland sharks to live so long while seemingly not being seriously afflicted by cardiovascular disease, we can hopefully incorporate some of these adaptations into humans to allow improved cardiac health."

Greenland sharks live up to a whopping 400 years and even more without showing traditional signs of ageing. Their hearts also remain healthy and a typical Greenland shark is not afflicted by any serious cardiovascular disease.

Greenland sharks live up to a whopping 400 years and even more without showing traditional signs of ageing. Their hearts also remain healthy and a typical Greenland shark is not afflicted by any serious cardiovascular disease. Whatever their secret is, it can also help humans stay young and healthy, scientists believe. The world's longest-living vertebrates have defied age and scientists have been trying to understand the biological mechanisms that keep them healthy. The belief is that learning about the sharks' anti-ageing ways can also help human beings stay healthier. The main reason seems to be their metabolic activity. The Greenland sharks live in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic and Antarctic oceans where their extremely slow metabolisms are what help them survive. Other metabolic adaptations seen in these sharks are that their top swimming speed is less than 1.8 miles per hour, and they grow less than 0.4 inches a year. These adaptations might be the reason why these fishes live for several years without showing any signs of ageing. Also Read: Earth moves to farthest point from sun, but don't expect any relief from the heat No signs of ageing seen in Greenland sharks As we age, changes in enzymatic activity are bound to happen. But these changes have not been seen in Greenland sharks. Enzymes are integral to the chemical reactions that happen within our cells. Ewan Camplisson, a Ph.D. student at the University of Manchester, says that the enzymes from the muscles of Greenland sharks don’t show the kinds of activity that you’d anticipate through ageing. Camplisson told Newsweek that traditional sign of ageing are missing from these sharks but are seen in most animals. So the researchers are now wondering whether metabolism is the reason for their long life span. By learning how they live so long while keeping their hearts healthy, Camplisson hopes to improve the quality of life of humans, especially older people, who suffer from heart issues more than others. Talking about a healthy heart, Camplisson said, "If we can understand what adaptations allow the Greenland sharks to live so long while seemingly not being seriously afflicted by cardiovascular disease, we can hopefully incorporate some of these adaptations into humans to allow improved cardiac health."

Sharks hold the secret to a healthy heart and staying young, study finds