PANDASIA-Project

When it comes to longevity, the animal kingdom offers some truly astonishing examples of creatures that live far beyond the typical lifespan of most species. These long-living animals showcase unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments for centuries, providing valuable insights into biology, evolution, and the science of aging. Among the most remarkable are the Greenland Shark, Galápagos Tortoise, Bowhead Whale, and Ocean Quahog.

The Greenland Shark is one of the slowest-growing vertebrates known, yet it can live for over 400 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate on Earth. Found in the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this shark’s metabolism is extremely slow, which is believed to contribute to its extraordinary lifespan. Greenland Sharks reach maturity around 150 years, a remarkable testament to the pace of their development. Their long life allows them to remain apex predators in their icy habitats for centuries, a true marvel of marine biology.

On land, the Galápagos Tortoise is a symbol of endurance and patience. These tortoises can live for approximately 190 years, with some individuals surpassing that mark. Native to the Galápagos Islands, they grow slowly and have a remarkably low rate of aging, which allows them to survive in harsh environments where food and water may be scarce. Their longevity is coupled with strong resistance to diseases, and they remain active and reproductively capable well into old age.

The Bowhead Whale, another Arctic inhabitant, is estimated to live over 200 years, making it one of the longest-living mammals. These whales have evolved to withstand the freezing temperatures of the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Their large size, slow metabolism, and low predation risk contribute to their long life. Scientists study Bowhead Whales to understand longevity, as their cells show remarkable resistance to cancer and age-related degeneration, offering potential clues for human health research.

Finally, the Ocean Quahog, a deep-sea clam, is arguably the longest-living animal known, with lifespans exceeding 500 years. Found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, these clams grow slowly and maintain extremely low metabolic rates. One famous individual, nicknamed “Ming,” was determined to be over 500 years old, providing a window into historical ocean conditions. Ocean Quahogs illustrate how extreme longevity can occur even in invertebrates, highlighting the diversity of life strategies in the natural world.

These extraordinary animals demonstrate that life can take many forms and unfold across centuries. Their unique adaptations—ranging from slow growth and low metabolism to resilience against disease—allow them to survive and thrive in environments that would challenge shorter-lived species. Studying these long-lived creatures not only inspires awe but also provides scientists with critical insights into aging, biology, and ecological balance.

PANDASIA: Strategic Surveillance and Prevention of Future Pandemics

How can we detect the next pandemic before it reaches people?
PANDASIA brings together leading experts in epidemiology, virology, microbiology, mathematical modeling, infectious diseases, social and behavior change, and community engagement to understand how pandemic threats emerge—and how they can be prevented.

Working at the human–animal–environment interface, the project explores how viruses spill over from wildlife to people, how communities interact with their ecosystems, and how data, modeling, and local knowledge can inform smarter surveillance and early warning systems. From field sampling and vector research to mathematical modeling and behavior change interventions, PANDASIA takes a One Health approach to pandemic preparedness.

At the heart of this work in Thailand are communities and policymakers, empowered with evidence-based insights to reduce risk, protect biodiversity, and strengthen resilience—locally, regionally, and globally.

🎥 Hear from the scientists and practitioners behind PANDASIA as they share how proactive surveillance, sustainable practices, and community engagement can help prevent the next pandemic—before it begins.

Impact of PANDASIA Project PANDASIA: Strategic Surveillance and Prevention of Future PandemicsHow can we detect the next pandemic before it reaches people?PANDASIA brings together lead...

We cannot air condition our way out of the heat crisis.

The Global Cooling Watch 2025 shows how smarter, fairer, sustainable cooling can save lives, cut pollution, and help billions stay safe from extreme heat.

It calls for cooling to be treated as essential infrastructure, on par with water, energy, and sanitation: https://ow.ly/v7L550XN6rf

PANDASIA Project Participates in the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2025

Dr. Hans J. Overgaard, Principal Investigator of the PANDASIA project, participated in the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2025 (JITMM 2025), held on December 2–4, 2025, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, Thailand. The JITMM 2025, organized by the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, and partner organizations, carried the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Health in a Dividing World.” The meeting brought together tropical medicine researchers, medical professionals, and public health experts from several countries to share research breakthroughs in tropical medicine and public health, including infectious and neglected tropical diseases, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, One Health, new vaccines and diagnostic tools, digital health, and the effects of climate change on health. This PANDASIA’s participation supported its bid for knowledge exchange and international scientific collaboration.



โครงการ PANDASIA เข้าร่วมการประชุม Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2025
ดร. ฮานส์ เจ. โอเวอร์การ์ด หัวหน้าโครงการวิจัย PANDASIA ได้เข้าร่วมการประชุมวิชาการนานาชาติด้านโรคเขตร้อน ประจำปี 2568 (Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2025: JITMM 2025) ซึ่งจัดขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 2–4 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2568 ณ โรงแรมอีสติน แกรนด์ พญาไท กรุงเทพมหานคร การประชุม JITMM 2025 จัดโดยคณะเวชศาสตร์เขตร้อน มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล ร่วมกับหน่วยงานพันธมิตร ภายใต้หัวข้อ “Building Bridges for Sustainable Health in a Dividing World” โดยมีนักวิจัยด้านเวชศาสตร์เขตร้อน บุคลากรทางการแพทย์ และผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านสาธารณสุขจากหลายประเทศเข้าร่วม เพื่อแลกเปลี่ยนองค์ความรู้จากงานวิจัยด้านเวชศาสตร์เขตร้อนและสาธารณสุข อาทิ โรคติดเชื้อเขตร้อนและโรคเขตร้อนที่ถูกละเลย โรคอุบัติใหม่และโรคอุบัติซ้ำ การดื้อยาต้านจุลชีพ แนวคิดสุขภาพหนึ่งเดียว นวัตกรรมด้านวัคซีน และเทคโนโลยีการวินิจฉัย สุขภาพดิจิทัล และผลกระทบของการเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศต่อสุขภาพ การเข้าร่วมของโครงการ PANDASIA ครั้งนี้ ช่วยส่งเสริมความพยายามในการแลกเปลี่ยนองค์ความรู้และความร่วมมือทางวิชาการในระดับนานาชาติ