Space Worms Live Long and Prosper 78
astroengine writes "A microscopic worm used in experiments on the space station not only seems to enjoy living in a microgravity environment, it also appears to get a lifespan boost. This intriguing discovery was made by University of Nottingham scientists who have flown experiments carrying thousands of tiny Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to low-Earth orbit over the years. It turns out that this little worm has genes that resemble human genes and of particular interest are the ones that govern muscle aging. Seven C. elegans genes usually associated with muscle aging were suppressed when the worms were exposed to a microgravity environment. Also, it appears spaceflight suppresses the accumulation of toxic proteins that normally gets stored inside aging muscle. Could this have implications for understanding how human physiology adapts to space?"
They get to live longer (Score:4, Funny)
and eat more poo. Not sure that's really what I'd call much of a benefit.
Re:Interesting (Score:5, Funny)
Will a bird adapt to floating without wind?
From a bird's perspective, the world is their toilet. I can't see that adapting to microgravity very well.
Re:Inveterate invertebrates (Score:4, Funny)
They should also have built-in weapons and a tendency to attack humanoids while screaming "Exterminate!".
Re:could (Score:5, Funny)
Could this have implications for understanding how human physiology adapts to space? Sure, it could. Anything could.
Humans lose muscle tone, muscle mass, vision and bone. Do you want to live a little longer as a boneless nearsighted weakling? Oh wait this is Slashdot.