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An elusive creature of the deep can live for centuries. Scientists think they know why


Published on 2024-12-15 21:42:44 - MSN
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  • This week, learn why Greenland sharks can live for centuries, discover when Neanderthals and humans met, see the most volcanic world in our solar system, and more.

The article from MSN discusses a fascinating deep-sea creature known as the glass sponge (Hexactinellida), which has the potential to live for centuries. Scientists have been intrigued by the longevity of these sponges, attributing their long life to several unique biological features. Glass sponges possess a silica-based skeleton that provides structural support and might contribute to their durability. Moreover, they have a very slow metabolism, which reduces the rate at which they age. Researchers also point out that these sponges live in environments with stable conditions, reducing the need for energy-intensive responses to environmental changes. This combination of factors allows glass sponges to potentially live for hundreds of years, offering insights into longevity and aging processes that could have broader biological implications.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/an-elusivgcreature-of-the-deep-can-live-for-centuries-scientists-think-they-know-why/ar-AA1vRksh ]
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