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Scientists discover Greenland sharks can see for centuries, debunking blindness myth
India🔬 Science7 hr. ago

Scientists discover Greenland sharks can see for centuries, debunking blindness myth

A recent scientific study has challenged the long-held belief that Greenland sharks are blind due to age-related eye damage caused by parasites. While it is well-established that these sharks can live for nearly 400 years, based on radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses, a separate claim about their vision has been called into question. Earlier research suggested that the presence of a common parasite, Ommatokoita elongata, might have impaired their sight, leading to widespread assumptions that the sharks were effectively blind. However, new research published in Nature indicates that Greenland sharks maintain a functional visual system adapted to low-light environments, contradicting earlier speculation. This finding highlights the importance of direct testing in understanding animal biology, especially for species that are difficult to observe in their natural habitat.

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Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenter7 hr. ago
Scientists discover Greenland sharks can see for centuries, debunking blindness myth

A recent scientific study has challenged the long-held belief that Greenland sharks are blind due to age-related eye damage caused by parasites. While it is well-established that these sharks can live for nearly 400 years, based on radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses, a separate claim about their vision has been called into question. Earlier research suggested that the presence of a common parasite, Ommatokoita elongata, might have impaired their sight, leading to widespread assumptions that the sharks were effectively blind. However, new research published in Nature indicates that Greenland sharks maintain a functional visual system adapted to low-light environments, contradicting earlier speculation. This finding highlights the importance of direct testing in understanding animal biology, especially for species that are difficult to observe in their natural habitat.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses scientific discoveries related to Greenland sharks' longevity and vision, which fall under the broader category of science and do not involve political issues, policies, or figures. There is no indication of political bias in the framing or presentation of the information.

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