This 400-Year-Old Shark Could Wildly Change Anti-Aging Science

Desiree O
Aug 11, 2016

Getting older doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but plenty of people would be eager to know how to slow down the process and perhaps add a few years into the mix. That’s why we all should be as excited as the scientists who are currently studying the Greenland shark. As strange as that might sound (although, really, is it any weirder than anti-aging gin or collagen candy?), the creatures which we now know can live up to 400 years (!!!) could wildly change science and even give us a “cure” for aging.

Little is actually known about this animal that lives in the deep cold waters of the North Atlantic, which is a dire situation according to Kevin Perrott, a scientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and co-founder of SENS Research Foundation. By failing to study these animals properly “we run the risk of forever losing the opportunity to study organisms with insight into humanity’s most pressing medical challenge, the aging process.”

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Shark Week Challenge Shark #3 Greenland Shark The Greenland Shark is one of the largest sharks in the world and is the largest Arctic fish. The glowing look to its eyes are caused by a bioluminescent creature called a copepod which attached itself to the shark's actual eye. These creatures also cause blindness in Greenland Sharks. GreenlNd sharks are typically lethargic and slow but can achieve small bursts of speed. They feed on basically anything and remains of reindeer and polar bear have been found inside of them. Greenland shark meat is also considered a delicacy in Iceland and Greenland although their flesh is poisonous and contains high levels of trimethylamjne oxide. Early settlers of these countries found ways around this by being buried for 6-12 weeks and going through a freeze and thaw process after which it is hung up to dry. The dish Is called Hakarl. #shark #sharkweek #sharkattack #sharkbite #sharkconservation #sharklover #sharksterritory #sharkweek2016 #sharkseeker #sharkweekeveryweek #sharkaddicts #sharkaholic #sharkafied #greenlandshark #hákarl #sharkconservation #sharkresearch #sharkresearchandconservation #savesharkslives #savesharksfromextinction

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The studies that have been done on Greenland sharks reveal that the creature, who grows less than a centimeter per year on average, “tells us that natural selection has successfully produced a species capable of avoiding or delaying diseases such as cancer or neurological disorders, for far longer time periods than humans are now capable of living,” according to Jay Olshansky, an expert on longevity and aging at the University of Chicago.

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Nothing makes me happier than seeing a Greenland shark swim away like this #wildlifecomputers #andorjaadventures #biologitromso #greenlandshark #extremefishing

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And though this may sound like a huge leap forward in turning back the aging clock, gerontologist and anti-aging expert Aubrey de Gray wants us to remember that sharks do not equal humans. “We must remember that … these sharks may not have any new tricks applicable to us, even though they outlive us by such a wide margin.” Not wanting to be a total buzzkill, he added, “But, they may! So we should definitely study them more.”

Would you want the ability to reverse the aging process or no thanks? Tweet us @britandco!

(h/t Gizmodo; photos via NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program/public domain)

This New $5 Trader Joe’s Frozen Dessert Has Countless Shoppers Saying “Yummm!”

Sometimes a sweet treat just hits differently in warmer weather, and Trader Joe’s (in true Trader Joe’s fashion) just dropped thedessert of the spring and summer. I hear you, I hear you… it’s a tad bit early to start thinking about scorching, sunny days, but trust me: this new $5 dessert will have you yearning for summer the second you see it.

Scroll on to discover the newly-dropped Trader Joe’s find shoppers are calling delicious, yummy, and amazing!

@trader_joes_treasure_hunt

The summery dessert in question is the all-new Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream, and it’s so dreamy. Featuring dollops of blood orange-flavored ice cream cased in sweet mochi dough, it’s the kind of sweet treat you can easily eat with your hands… and keep eating over and over and over again.

Any Lane / PEXELS

The mochi ice cream is also crafted without any artificial colors or flavors, so you really get the full effect of the rich citrus. Blood oranges are also typically sweeter than regular oranges, making them perfect for putting into desserts.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream with their followers, saying the treat is “tart and creamy” and also “not too sweet.” One commenter that got a taste noted that each ice cream piece is like “a creamsicle's more worldly cousin.” Another person compared the flavor to a Flintstone's Push-Up popsicle.

Well-rounded and nostalgic? Now I have to try this!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream can be found on shelves for $4.99. Each box comes with 6 mochi ice cream bites, and what’s even more exciting is the nutrition label says a single serving size is 6 pieces – AKA the entire box. Woah!

Additionally, this sweet snack is kosher and gluten-free.

I’m definitely going to be grabbing several boxes to try – and hopefully manifest an early start to springtime!

What are your favorite Trader Joe's desserts? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter to discover even more new Trader Joe's items!

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8 Popular Foods Costco Stopped Selling (& We Really Want Back!)

Costco isn't just known for offering a shockingly wide array of products at unbeatable prices. The membership-only warehouse club is also a favorite shopping destination for all kinds of foods.

The infatuation among shoppers arguably began back in 1984. That year, the iconic hot dog and soda combo, which costs just $1.50, was first added to its food court menu, and it's been history ever since.

Today, people don't just frequent Costco; they're loyal fans of the store. So, when certain products disappear from shelves or the food court, outrage can ensue.

These are eight of the most popular foods that Costco has stopped selling, sparking a lot of upset.

Scroll to find out which popular Costco foods you can't find on shelves anymore!

1. Barbecue Beef Brisket Sandwich

Valeria Boltneva

The barbecue beef brisket sandwich is one past food court favorite that was sadly discontinued. It featured shredded brisket smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and topped with sweet coleslaw on a soft bun — similar to the sandwich pictured — for only $4.99.

While it was a hit with a decent amount of Costco members, there wasn't enough consistent demand to keep this sandwich on the menu. It also reportedly required more time and effort for employees to construct than other simpler options.

2. Kirkland American Cheese

Kirkland

You can no longer find Kirkland American cheese in Costco's deli section. This favorite for burgers and sandwiches was removed from stores in 2019, and it's unclear why.

However, some people speculate that the growing demand for other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella, might've led Kirkland American cheese to become less of a priority. It seems like the above pictured American cheese slices are only available in Australia now.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Auntie Anne's

Costco's cinnamon sugar pretzel was warm, chewy, and popular among shoppers looking for a sweet pick-me-up. But you can't find it at the food court anymore.

The exact reasons for this treat's removal haven't been confirmed, either. Nonetheless, it's thought that cinnamon sugar pretzels got the boot due to a combination of low sales and Costco's shift toward offering healthier menu options.

If you're missing that Costco sweet treat, you can't go wrong with a cinnamon sugar pretzel from Auntie Anne's (pictured above)!

4. Kirkland Signature Turkey Burgers

Costco

Kirkland Signature turkey burgers were a convenient frozen food option packed with protein. In fact, each patty only had 200 calories yet carried 25 grams of protein.

Despite that, the turkey burgers were discontinued in 2018, and the reason remains a mystery. Some fans were so disappointed that they actually started a petition to get the product back in Costco freezers, but the store reportedly hasn't responded.

Instead, you can get a 32-pack of Rastelli’s Antibiotic-Free Turkey Craft Burgers (pictured above), if you're looking for a similar fix!

5. All American Chocolate Cake

Reddit/r/Costco

With multiple layers of rich chocolate cake that could easily feed a group of 20, this product was a go-to for countless shoppers. However, it was surprisingly pulled from shelves in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Costco's exact reasoning is still unclear. Thankfully, though, chocolate lovers can now find mini versions of this dessert being sold as cupcakes.

6. Kirkland Signature Light Beer

Reddit/r/Costco

This product was Costco's attempt to enter the beer market. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark.

Kirkland Signature Light Beer received harsh criticism, with people online saying it "stinks" and has a "rubber smell." So, regardless of the fact that it was sold at a low price of around $0.50 per can, the beer was ultimately discontinued in 2018.

7. Polish Hot Dog

Costco

Despite Costco's Polish hot dog having a dedicated fanbase, it wasn't large enough to sustain this food court item. Low sales pushed it to be taken off the menu back in 2018.

In the wake of its removal, Costco shared a statement detailing how the Polish hot dog was discontinued to make room for healthier options, like the all-beef hot dog.

8. Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Bar

Costco

One final ghost of Costco's food court past is the chocolate-dipped ice cream bar. This dessert disappeared from the menu in 2013, but even a decade later, fans are still upset about it.

Sold for just $1.50, it featured vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and rolled in toasted almonds. It's believed that the rising costs of dairy and almonds pushed Costco to take it off the menu, and it's unclear if this product will ever make a comeback.

If you're looking for something similar, I'd grab these Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars — and they come in a pack of 18!

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Rachel Zegler Finally Opened Up About All That 'Snow White' Controversy

The live-action Snow White hits theaters March 21, but the movie's already started plenty of conversations. Actress Rachel Zegler went viral for her comments at the 2022 D23 convention, where she said the original cartoon was dated — and that their version of the iconic character "is not going to be saved by the prince, and she's not going to be dreaming about true love," as she toldVariety.

"She’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true," she continues. Okay, I totally understand where she's coming from, but the internet responded with an insane amount of backlash, calling the new project "toxic" and even sending Rachel death threats. Um, definitely not cool. Well, after clarifying she was never asking viewers to choose between leadership and romance, Rachel Zegler finally just spoke on all the drama.

Here's what Rachel Zegler had to say about all the live-action Snow White drama.

Rachel Zegler calls 'Snow White' an "honor."

In an interview with Vogue Mexico, Rachel Zegler opened up about Disney's live-action Snow White, and all the controversy following that initial 2022 interview. “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it and what an honor to be able to be a part of something that people are so passionate about," she says. "We’re not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all we can do is give our best.”

“It’s really important for audiences to know that Disney has found this beautiful, delicate balance between taking the animated classic that everyone knows and loves from 1937, and at the same time introducing it to this new generation,” she continues. “Her superpower is her heart, there’s no supernatural power that Snow White possesses beyond her love for humanity, for all living creatures and her fundamental belief that there’s goodness in everything, that’s something I really think the world could use more of."

Good is exactly the word I would use to describe Rachel's past characters; every single one is kind, loving, and empathetic — and dreams that the world can be a better place. Snow White is a fitting next step in her filmography.

Rachel Zegler points out how the princess she resonated with as a child was Belle because “she had brown hair and it was hard to find someone who looked like us in these types of movies."

She's hoping this iteration of Snow White will open up a whole new world (oops, wrong movie) for girls who don't often see themselves in leading roles. “Now I see what a beautiful experience it was for little Black girls around the world to see Halle [Bailey] play Ariel in The Little Mermaid,” she says.

“I hope that through my own narrative in my films, I can also show the world what I believe in. The fact that West Side Story was my first film project and that it was a story about migration from Puerto Rico to New York, I think that was a statement of intent more than anything else,” she continues, adding she wants to “do everything I can to work with more women, because I think it makes an incredible difference in film production.”

This princess's future is bright and I can't wait to see what comes next.

What are your thoughts about Rachel Zegler's live-action Snow White? Let us know in the comments and follow us on YouTube for exclusive interviews!

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