Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Sicentists Say: Worm Holds Secret to Eternal Life
They went on to stay healthy and active for a human equivalent of 500 years, which is the longest life-span extension ever achieved by scientists.
Scientists from the University of California found they could double the lifespan of C. elegans, if they caused a mutation that inhibited insulin signalling.
Insulin, which is a metabolic hormone, regulates the energy molecule glucose within the body.
Researchers discovered that if they inhibited insulin signalling more strongly, the worms lived even longer, but they entered a quiescent - or lethargic - state.
Removal of the animals' reproductive systems also had a dramatic effect - the worms' life span increased by 60%. This was not due to infertility, the researchers said, but altered hormone signalling.
That's right people... if you change your genetic structure and cut out your genitals... you too can live to 500. Or you could just go to church. I leave that to you.
Scientists from the University of California found they could double the lifespan of C. elegans, if they caused a mutation that inhibited insulin signalling.
Insulin, which is a metabolic hormone, regulates the energy molecule glucose within the body.
Researchers discovered that if they inhibited insulin signalling more strongly, the worms lived even longer, but they entered a quiescent - or lethargic - state.
Removal of the animals' reproductive systems also had a dramatic effect - the worms' life span increased by 60%. This was not due to infertility, the researchers said, but altered hormone signalling.
That's right people... if you change your genetic structure and cut out your genitals... you too can live to 500. Or you could just go to church. I leave that to you.
