Just in time for Malta’s Summer!
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Scientists have discovered that living in colder areas can increase a person’s lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
The findings were derived from a study using a non-vertebrate model organism, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and cultivated human cells. Both models were genetically modified to carry genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease, two diseases that feature the accumulation of harmful protein deposits.
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When exposed to colder temperatures, the proteins were actively removed, preventing further build-up of protein clusters. This is because the cold affects the activity of proteasomes, a cellular mechanism that removes damaged proteins from cells.
The study found that a moderate drop in temperature stimulated proteasome activity, which helps reduce the deficits caused by aging in both the nematode and human cells.
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These findings suggest that living in colder areas could be beneficial for those who want to increase their lifespan and reduce their susceptibility to age-related diseases.
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