How to be a long life

By genetic manipulation, Bernard Lakowski and Siegfried Hekimen of the University of Montreal have made the life of the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans three times greater.

The biological “machine” of these genetically engineered worms works more slowly and the metabolites accumulate more slowly. In the long run, these metabolites or free radicals destroy cells. Therefore, the cells remain longer without damaging them.

The genes involved have been called “clock” and can help to better understand the genetics of aging. Scientists hypothesize that “clock” genes are elements of the “general psychological clock” mechanism.

Babesleak
Eusko Jaurlaritzako Industria, Merkataritza eta Turismo Saila