Nov 5, 2007

The Secret of Longevity

Scientists have trying for years to discover the secrets of how to live longer.

The Spanish in their search for the fountain of youth is one example. In the early 1500s, the Everglades in Florida were overrun by the Spanish who were looking for the fountain. Some thought they would find an actual fountain and others thought is was a hidden stream.

According to history, the Spanish never found the fountain of youth but will we ever know the truth as to what they actually found? Maybe fishermen have found the secret? In a recent news item published by the BBC, fishermen off the coast of Iceland are believed to have dredged up the world’s oldest living animal.

Scientists believe that the mollusc is an ocean-going Quahog clam aged between 400 and 410 years old. These Clams are named Ming, after the Chinese dynasty that was in power at the time when they were born.

There’s much discussion as to whether or not these clams can help in the long search after the secret of longer life. Scientists will be looking into the chemical make up of the clams to see if there are any of these chemicals present in other long lived animals.

The thought of a longer life is a dream that’s been around for centuries. Will it ever become true? I am sure we are all hoping this will happen, but only time and future discoveries will tell.