BiotechNews1

 Originally published by University of Vienna, on August 19, 2024 A single Nematostella polyp. Credit: Yulia Kraus The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal . Using molecular genetic methods , developmental biologists led byUlrich Technau from the University of Vienna have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone for the first time. These stem cells are r egulated by evolutionary highly conserved genes , which in humans are usually only active in the formation of egg and sperm cells , but give ancient animal phyla such as cnidarians a high degree of regenerative capacity to even escape aging . The results are published in Science Advances and could also provide insights into the human aging process in the future. " We live as long as our stem cells " is a somewhat bold but essentially accurate statement. Stem cells contribute to the constant renewal of various cells and tissues in humans, e.g. blood

Originally published by Society for Experimental Biology, on July 3, 2024 Tissue collection from a Greenland shark. Credit: Ewan Camplisson New experimental research shows that muscle metabolic activity may be an important factor in the incredible longevity of the world's oldest living vertebrate species—the Greenland shark . These findings may have applications for conservation of this vulnerable species against climate change or even for human cardiovascular health . Greenland sharks ( Somniosus microcephalus ) are the longest-living vertebrate , with an expected lifespan of at least 270 years and a possible lifespan beyond 500 years. "We want to understand what adaptations they have that allow them to live so long," says Ewan Camplisson, a Ph.D. student at the University of Manchester, UK . Previously , it was thought that this long lifespan was due to the shark's cold environment and minimal movement , but the factors behind the extreme longevi