roundworm

Researchers discovered the world’s first case of a new human parasitic infection, pulling a live roundworm from a woman's brain. They say the case highlights the risks posed by zoonotic diseases caused by pathogens that jump from animals to humans.

New research on aging in roundworms has thrown up some intriguing results, with scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore finding they could increase the animals lifespan by feeding them a high-sugar diet.

New research presented at the American Chemical Society has demonstrated how roundworms can be used to detect lung cancer. A “worm-on-a-chip” device has been developed that is currently 70 percent effective at detecting cancer cells.

Humans have never lived longer than we do right now, but longer doesn’t necessarily mean healthier. A Harvard team has discovered a link between aging and a core biological process known as RNA splicing, which may be manipulated to not only increase our lifespan, but help us stay healthy for longer.