flatworms could be immortal

[Too Few Lions]

Apparently some flat worms may be immortal, does that make them gods?

British scientists have discovered that flatworms can continuously maintain the length of a crucial part of their DNA, known as telomeres, and apparently one of the key factors associated with ageing cells is telomere length. So some of the little blighters may not age.

Some press reports are suggesting they may hold the key to immortality, I'm sure that may be over-egging the pudding a little, but if the research does help find a way to prolong life or slow down the ageing process it could be a fascinating field of research.

I never knew flat worms could ever be so amazing before, looks can be deceptive!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9110202/Flatworms-could-hold-key-to-immortality.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/planarian-worms-immortal-asexual_n_1304934.html

[McQ]

Nice find. Thanks for sharing it.

[Crocoduck]

I just watched a video about this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHxF0dQEZqM