AI Insight
Greenland sharks can live up to 400 years while maintaining healthy eye tissue and vision, defying typical age-related retinal decline. Researchers discovered that these sharks possess active proteins specifically adapted for detecting blue light in the dark Arctic ocean depths, along with DNA repair mechanisms that preserve eye function over centuries. This exceptional longevity without visual deterioration makes their eyes uniquely resistant to aging processes that affect most other animals.
Why it matters
Understanding the biological mechanisms that protect Greenland shark vision across centuries could inform future treatments for age-related human eye diseases and vision loss. The DNA repair systems and specialized proteins identified in these sharks may provide templates for developing therapies to preserve human retinal health during aging.
Understand the Science
Greenland sharks may live for 400 years without suffering the kind of retinal decline normally associated with aging. Researchers found healthy eye tissue and active proteins specially adapted for seeing blue light in the dim Arctic depths. DNA repair mechanisms may help keep their eyes functioning across centuries. The discovery could eventually offer new clues for protecting human vision as we age.
Source: This shark can live 400 years. Its eyes barely seem to age