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Earth Sciences

400-Year Life

Scientists have mapped 92% of the Greenland shark's genome, uncovering clues to its extraordinary longevity and opening the door to potential breakthroughs in human aging. The Greenland shark, native to the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, holds the record as the longest-living vertebrate, with lifespans reaching up to 400 years. Remarkably, these sharks do not reach sexual maturity until they are over 100 years old. The study, released in preprint, aims to identify genetic mutations that contribute to the shark’s longevity and explore how these mechanisms might be adapted for human benefit.

A key finding lies in the Greenland shark's exceptional ability to repair its DNA, a trait it shares with other long-lived species. One significant factor appears to be "jumping genes," also known as "genetic parasites," which in most species are linked to genetic diseases. In the Greenland shark, however, these genes have evolved to counteract damage, maintain genome stability, and even reverse harmful effects. Lead researchers noted that this ability enhances the shark’s genome integrity, likely contributing to its impressive lifespan.

Future research will delve deeper into the Greenland shark’s DNA, comparing it to other sharks and fish to further unravel the genetic basis of its longevity. The ultimate goal is to leverage these insights to improve DNA repair mechanisms in humans, potentially extending human lifespans. Scientists are exploring the possibility of developing drugs that target similar genome enzymes, offering a promising avenue for advancements in human health and longevity.

US News

US Passes HEARTS Act

The Senate has passed the HEARTS Act (Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools), a bill funding CPR and defibrillator training programs in schools. The legislation follows months of advocacy by Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest during a 2023 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin, now a prominent voice for heart health education, played a key role in pushing the bill forward. The House passed a similar measure earlier this year, and President Biden is expected to sign it into law before leaving office next month.

“I’m grateful to Senator Schumer for making this legislation a priority,” Hamlin said. “My experience has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen, and we all need to be prepared.” Cardiac arrest is often fatal unless immediate action, such as CPR or the use of an AED, is taken. Hamlin’s campaign has highlighted the importance of equipping communities with the skills and resources to respond to such emergencies.

Hamlin’s efforts echo broader global initiatives to promote life-saving techniques. After Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen survived cardiac arrest during the 2020 European Championship, the European Resuscitation Council launched training booths in stadiums during the 2024 tournament, training 38,000 attendees in CPR and defibrillator use. Stories like these, including cases reported by GNN where extended CPR saved lives, underscore the importance of widespread training. The HEARTS Act aims to build on this momentum, ensuring future generations are better prepared to respond in critical moments.

Environment

The ‘Renewable Energy’ Generation

For the first time, the UK has generated more electricity from renewable energy sources than fossil fuels over an entire calendar year, according to a report from energy think tank Ember. In 2024, renewables such as wind, solar, and hydropower contributed 103 TWh, or 37% of the UK’s total electricity, surpassing the 35% (97 TWh) generated by fossil fuels. Wind energy played a pivotal role, providing 29% (82 TWh) of electricity and even overtaking natural gas for the first three quarters of the year.

“This milestone shows how far the UK has come,” said Frankie Mayo, senior energy and climate analyst at Ember. She emphasized the importance of building on this progress by expanding renewable energy, investing in storage technologies, and upgrading the grid to further reduce reliance on natural gas. The transition has been bolstered by the UK’s complete phase-out of coal power this year, a critical step in its journey to decarbonize the energy sector. The UK has already reduced CO2 emissions by 45% since 2000, the largest decrease among European nations, though it remains Europe’s third-largest CO2 emitter after Germany and Italy.

Environmental advocates have hailed this achievement as a turning point. Doug Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK, described it as a "landmark moment" in the country’s transition to clean energy leadership. While challenges remain, the UK’s success demonstrates the potential of renewable energy to drive significant emissions reductions and highlights the need for continued investment in sustainable technologies to maintain this momentum.

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Mind Stretchers

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I’m always moving, yet stand still,
I’m close at hand but rarely seen.
I measure moments, never make a sound,
I show you time, though I don’t speak.

What am I?

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