Science
Greenland shark eyes show minimal signs of aging despite centuries-long lifespans, study finds
Researchers analyzing preserved eyes of the long-lived vertebrate found healthy retinal tissue and active vision proteins, challenging assumptions of functional blindness.
The short version
- A study in Nature Communications found that Greenland sharks maintain functional retinal tissue and active light-sensing proteins despite living up to 400 years.
- The findings challenge long-held assumptions that eye parasites and deep, dark Arctic waters render the species functionally blind.
- Researchers hope identifying the DNA repair mechanisms preserving shark vision could eventually provide insights into human age-related vision diseases.
Key facts
- Greenland sharks are the longest-living known vertebrates, with lifespans extending up to 400 years.[ScienceDaily]
- A study led by researchers from UC Irvine, the University of Basel, and other institutions examined sharks caught between 2020 and 2024 near Disko Island, Greenland.[ScienceDaily]
- Histological analysis of preserved shark eye tissue showed no evidence of retinal cell death, along with active rhodopsin proteins tuned to detect blue light in dim waters.[ScienceDaily]
- The study suggests that DNA repair mechanisms may help preserve the sharks' visual function across centuries.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the specific biological and DNA repair mechanisms protecting shark eyes can be adapted or translated to treat human conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma remains unproven.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
- This shark can live 400 years. Its eyes barely seem to ageScienceDaily - Environment