What scientists are learning from worms About Living a stronger and longer life (Part 3)

It may be more surprising that the schedule of interventions radically changed the effects on motor function and lifespan. When SLO-1 was treated at the beginning of the worm's life, it did not have any effect on their lifespan and had a detrimental effect on the motor function in young worms. But when the mid-adult blocked SLO-1 activity, motor function and life expectancy improved.

Since the SLO-1 channel is preserved for many species, Xu hopes these discoveries will inspire others to examine its role in aging in other model organisms.

"An aging study in longer-lived organisms is a big investment," he said. "But we have now identified a molecular target, a potential site, and a certain amount of time, which should facilitate further research."

The researchers then hope to determine the importance of the SLO-1 channel in the early development of worms and also to better understand mechanisms affecting life expectancy.