Worms and sugar: A bad combination
I’m guessing you answered “yes.”
You already know to watch your diet, exercise frequently, manage stress, avoid smoking, floss your teeth, live in Okinawa, etc. — but now comes the big one!
Scientists have shown that adding 2% glucose to the culture medium of the worm C. elegans reduces their lifespan. How much are we talking about here? Was it by 3%? How about 5%? Maybe 8%? No – the reduction in lifespan was 20%!
Read more about this research here.
You may say, quite reasonably, that humans and worms are very different, but C. elegans is commonly used a model organism for human disease. Also, it is worth considering the percentage of our diets that are based on refined sugars – especially those hidden in foods. 2% may be on the low side in many cases.
In this aging economy, it’s just one of many studies that innovators will be interested in applying to a business idea. Want to know more about aging and the opportunities in this market? MaRS will soon be hosting the Business of Aging conference – a major multi-disciplinary symposium. Check it out and discover how you can position yourself in this burgeoning industry!
John provides assistance to life sciences entrepreneurs in business strategy, management, intellectual property, financing and licensing.
