Scientists from the University of Colorado made the nematodes swim regularly, which helped slow down neurodegenerative processes. The results of the study are presented as follows: magazine Science Advances.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is often used by scientists in research, these worms can show signs of a neurodegenerative process. In the current study, experts used two groups of nematodes: the first for Parkinson’s disease and the second for Alzheimer’s disease.
It is known that regular physical activity can be a factor that slows down the death of nerve cells and the progression of the disease. In the study, the scientists forced the worms to swim in a special room despite being a land animal.
As a result, both neurodegenerative processes slowed down. In future work, the authors plan to select the most appropriate physical therapy system for worms and examine the molecular mechanisms of their effects.