Travelling in space might help to extend life, scientists revealed last night.
So far the effect has only been found in microscopic worms – but researchers say it may have helped identify genes involved in lifespan.
Scientists from Nottingham University, UK, say it is possible that spaceflight – in zero gravity conditions – reduces the ageing of muscles.
The scientists say they have found seven genes which were affected by space travel. When inactivated in laboratory worms, it led to the creatures having an extended lifespan.
The findings have been reported in the journal Scientific Reports.
Researcher Dr Nathaniel Szewczyk said: "We are not entirely certain, but it would appear that these genes are involved in how the worm senses the environment and signals changes in metabolism in order to adapt to the environment.
"For example, one of the genes we have identified encodes insulin which, because of diabetes, is well known to be associated with metabolic control."
The research involved scientists from Japan, France, the USA and Canada and also involved the International Space Station and has been under way since 2004.
The scientists are now studying a human astronaut, Andre Kuipers, from the Netherlands.
The worms originated on a rubbish dump in Bristol, UK.
Scientific Reports July 5 2012
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