Ginkgo Trees Thrive After Hiroshima Blast

Henry, a remarkable 124-year-old Nile crocodile at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa, has defied age expectations, showcasing the longevity of reptiles that can grow throughout their lives. He has fathered approximately 10,000 offspring, benefiting from a supercharged immune system that allows him to thrive despite environmental challenges. Meanwhile, various ancient species, including ginkgo biloba trees known as 'living fossils,' have survived through catastrophic events, such as the Hiroshima bombing, exemplifying resilience in nature. Ginkgos, dating back 290 million years, have shown little change over time, similar to other ancient creatures like coelacanths and horseshoe crabs. In the cosmic realm, NASA's discovery of a supermassive black hole in the galaxy NGC 4945 highlights the dynamic influence of such black holes on galaxy formation, including the creation of starburst phases. These findings underscore the enduring nature of life on Earth and the universe, revealing stories of survival that span millions of years.