Over 400 years old!

Yes, I'm sure studying this clam will benefit us in ways that can't be imagined at first. It is amazing. Though it must be pretty boring sitting in the mud at the bottom of the ocean for 400 years. That sea turtle discoverd by Darwin (I think) near those islands he made famous live 2 hundred or so years. That they have super slow metabolisms is most of their secret. That and they must have super immune systems. The turtles are famous for tasting good, too. Sailors would use them for fresh meat at sea.

You probably can't eat it, I'm sure there's a recall on it somewhere, haha. All kidding aside, I agree with you 100% and I find this little clam extremely fascinating....what a discover!

Yes, it is. Hopefully, there might be a follow up story in a few years mentioning what some of those secrets might be. One part of the story that gives me hope is that I do not think clams eat vegtables or exercise much. All other life extension plans I've heard about involve these things clams don't do.

Hmmm... I do seem to recall many aboriginal peoples have beliefs as to acquiring an enemies characteristics if you eat him. So, maybe eating the long living clams is the best way to assure long life. Or could it be that the same things that makes an animal taste good, make it live long? That's why they have to live in a remote part of the ocean? So we don't eat them all? Only scientists can know or find the answers to these questions.

Hey, its a lifeform. There could be something. But you do have a point, there's a good chance the longevity will only apply to clams, reptiles, amphibians. Humans are quite a complex creature. And stop picking on clams!! :D ... ... ... On second thought, maybe the first one that eats it will get the longevity... XD

"Hmmm... I do seem to recall many aboriginal peoples have beliefs as to acquiring an enemies characteristics if you eat him."-[/quote Red] That was part of my reference/in-joke, my friend! "Or could it be that the same things that makes an animal taste good, make it live long? That's why they have to live in a remote part of the ocean? So we don't eat them all? Only scientists can know or find the answers to these questions."-[/quote Red] *Harvey Birdman imitation* I'll take the case!! "There are some cultures who believe that eating the heart of your enemy will give you increased bravery and power and a bunch of other things that I forget."-[/quote Destiny] Again, yes indeed and that was what I was referencing. Particularly the Carib tribe and a few other ancient island or indigenous tribes. As another joke between us maybe, I could scarf on someone's mental bubble after a good counterpoint or two. What? Whaddya mean 'no don't do it Pro"? Aw come on!! Just a teeny bit of the heart and mind! Come on, just a bite!? Please!? =P "Speaking of eating one's enemies and their hearts, try reading the NARRATIVES OF AMERICA series of books by Allan W. Eckert. Each is a true story with every character an actual once living historical figure. These books tell the story of America from about 1650 until before the Civil War in about 1855. Particularily fascinating is the true story of the Indians of 1650 thru about 1750. In tv & movie westerns one is mostly seeing Indians of 1850 and later. They are a totally different people from the earlier Indians of 1600's and 1700's."-[/quote Red] I'll have to look into it. This is something new to me.