There's a lot to learn from worms. Not only do worms possess a clue on slowing the aging process, but they may offer a path to cheap, save unisex contraceptives, and reduce atherosclerosis before and after heart surgery. Who knew?
A tapeworm found in fish contains a chemical compound that appears to make the fish infertile. It seems to interfere with the fishes' hormone production, so females do not produce eggs and males do not produce sperm.
Nematode worms, despite their tiny size, appear to be better at coping with Omega-6 fatty acids - a fat which contributes to blocked arteries in humans. The worms naturally convert Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease inflammation in blood vessels, and help prevent the formation of blockages. Scientists in the US have found that a particular chemical made by the worm appears to have a beneficial effect on human cells in a test tube.
