Chromosome 4 - How a worm is unlocking the secrets of ageing

Описание: EXPLORE THE RI ADVENT CALENDAR: http://rigb.org.uk/advent

People are now living longer, but with old age comes an increased risk of age-related diseases such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers and cancer. The process of ageing is a complex interplay between both genetic and environmental factors, but parts of chromosome 4 have been shown to be linked to longevity.

In order to look for the genes which influence lifespan, scientists at the lab of this year's Christmas Lecturer Dr Alison Woollard and of Dr Lynne Cox, from the University of Oxford, are studying nematode worms in the hopes that these tiny organisms could reveal the secrets to a long and healthy life.

With thanks to BBSRC: http://bbsrc.ac.uk/

Don't miss the 2013 CHRISTMAS LECTURES on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer: http://rigb.org/christmas-lectures

The Ri is on Twitter:   / ri_science  
and Facebook:   / royalinstitution  
and Tumblr:   / ri-science  
Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-po...
Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter