Earth's Magnetic Field May Influence Aging and Mitochondria

Researchers at the University of Nottingham shielded fruit flies from Earth's magnetic field down to near zero. Flies with a faulty Pink1 gene lived about 20% longer but moved worse, while healthy flies improved their movement. The effects traced back to mitochondrial energy metabolism.

• Magnetic shielding extended lifespan of Pink1-mutant flies by about 20%
• Healthy flies moved better but their health span changed
• Measurements showed shifts in mitochondrial respiration and superoxide levels
• Quantum sensors based on defects in diamonds were used