Lessons From the Worm: How the Elderly Can Live an Active Life
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 11:50
in Biology & Nature
When the tiny roundworm C. elegans reaches middle age--at about 2 weeks old--it can't quite move like it did in the bloom of youth. But rather than imposing an exercise regimen to rebuild the worm's body-wall muscles, researchers can bring the wriggle back by stimulating the animal's neurons. And, they say, pharmaceuticals might have a similar effect in mammals.