This Weekly Escape travels to Greenland to find sharks that live hundreds of years—and could provide secrets for our own longevity. Plus, we find out how a new pope is selected ... and discover a prehistoric apex predator.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SERGIO RICCARDO 

No creature with a backbone can live 400 years—except for the massive Greenland shark. But the behemoth swims so deep, in such inaccessible waters. Until recently, scientists had not been able to capture their DNA—and unravel their aging secrets and cancer-fighting properties. Here’s what we know now.

Related: How old are you really? The answer is written on your face.  

COURTESY EFFENDI FAMILY ARCHIVE

PHOTOGRAPH BY FLORILEGIUS, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO 

A near perfect skull of a prehistoric apex predator has been discovered, revealing its “meat cleaving bite.” Long before wolves or lions, this meat-eater was a king of the jungle. How big could it get? 

A. About the size of a housecat
B. A medium-sized dog
C. A polar bear
D.  B and C
E. None of the above

Today’s Soundtrack: Sugar On My Tongue, Talking Heads 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading!