A shark that lives for almost four centuries could hold the secret to a longer life.

Greenland sharks, with a lifespan of up to 392 years, are thought to possess unique longevity genes now being searched for by scientists.

Professor Kim Praebel, from the Arctic University of Norway, who is leading the hunt, said: "This is the longest living vertebrate on the planet.

"Together with colleagues in Denmark, Greenland, USA, and China, we are currently sequencing its whole nuclear genome which will help us discover why the Greenland shark not only lives longer than other shark species but other vertebrates."

The team has taken fin clippings from almost 100 Greenland sharks, including some individuals born in the 1750s.