In the first detailed map of the Greenland shark’s (Somniosus microcephalus) genome, researchers led by the University of Tokyo found genetic traits that protect against cancer, reduce inflammation, and help boost DNA repair.

Half a millennium is a considerable timespan, when you consider there might be Greenland sharks swimming around today that were born in the age of Galileo and Shakespeare. The findings could aid in future research into long and healthy living.

“These genomic analyses offer new insights into the molecular basis of the exceptional longevity of the Greenland shark and highlight potential genetic mechanisms that could inform future research into longevity,” write the researchers in their paper.