a lifespan question in a new published paper

Model Organism: Worms Scientific Discussion
1

I am reading a new published paper “An age-dependent reversal in the protective capacities of JNK signaling shortens Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan”. And I got couple of questions…

Basically they examined the effects of vhp-1 knock-down on lifespan. What they performed was rearing worms on dead food bacteria to observe the lifespan. Since I donot work on lifeapan stuff, I have no idea why they let the worms eating daed food bacteria instead of normal food.
FYI: They did try to compare different food effect on lifeapan.

Any comments are welcome. If you are also reading the paper, I will be very happy to discuss with you. Thank you in advance.

Emily

2

Have a look at this previous thread, and the Kenyon paper cited there.

3

Previous research have shown that live bacteria do have some negative effect on the lifespan of worms. More likely, it involves the bacterial secretions and metabolites. So a number of lifespan studies try to see if the effect of the chemical is direct on the worms themselves, or if it is affecting the bacteria and as a consequence extending the lifespan. Hope this helps. Good luck!

4

Thanks a lot for all your answers. I really learned from it.