Magnetic bacteria extended worm lifespan by 43%

Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science found that the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 extends the average lifespan of C. elegans by 43.39%. The effect works by suppressing ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death.

• Average worm lifespan increased by 43.39%
• Magnetosome production is key: non-magnetotactic strains had no effect
• AMB-1 reduced iron buildup and lipid peroxidation
• Genes ftn-1, bli-3 and ads-1 linked to ferroptosis were involved