LIVE LONG AND PROSPER: Space worms key to immortality

FORGET tonics, face creams or giant swimming pools. Space worms could hold the answer to eternal life. 
 

A group of researchers have taken their slippery subjects to the International Space Station and found that space messed with their genes.

Toxic proteins that usually accumulate in the worms' muscles on Earth were almost non-existent in orbit, leading the researchers to believe the genes responsible for the toxins were being suppressed.
Lead researcher Dr Nathaniel Szewczyk said his team from the University of Nottingham identified seven genes whose suppression could help the worms live longer under laboratory conditions.

"We are not entirely certain, but it would appear that these genes are involved in how the worm senses the environment and signals changes in metabolism in order to adapt to the environment," Dr Szewczyk said.

"For example, one of the genes we have identified encodes insulin which, because of diabetes, is well known to be associated with metabolic control. In worms, flies, and mice insulin is also associated with modulation of lifespan."

Don't get too excited though. There's no guarantee these results could be replicated outside of a lab.
The scientists say the research is crucial for understanding exactly how long humans can live in space.

This is important as the space tourism industry ramps up and private industry investigates ways to create human colonies on other planets.