Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Ming the clam

  • Ming the clam: Methodical measurement of the maturity of the Methuselah of mollusks

    Howard FischerUppsala, Sweden “Clams don’t carry birth certificates.”– Samantha Larson, National Geographic1 The maximum human lifespan is about 120 years, and research continues to find ways to increase that maximum. Knowing the maximum lifespan of other species and how they manage to achieve it may be of value. Zoologists have two strict criteria when defining…