Mutant worms

The nematode worm, C. elegans, has always been a favourite animal of scientists. One of its fascinating tricks is that if times are tough, it can wait them out by entering a life-extending state called dauer. In this state, the worm doesn't eat or excrete. It doesn't grow or reproduce, metabolism is reduced dramatically and in fact, even normal cell division stops. The worms can still be minimally active, and in this state, their normal two-week lifespan can be extended by up to ten times, to as much as several months. Dr Richard Roy, a professor of biology at McGill, has been untangling the genetics of dauer and thinks it could have interesting implications for all sorts of issues in humans, including why we don't lose weight when we diet.