Can a tiny dose of caffeine help a worm live longer? In this episode, we explore how C. elegans responds to the world’s favourite stimulant. Researchers show that low-dose caffeine extends lifespan, while higher doses flip into toxicity — revealing a fine balance between metabolic stress, development, and purinergic signalling.We cover:How small amounts of caffeine boost survival in C. elegansWhy high doses shorten lifespan and slow developmentEffects on growth, body size, and reproductionHow adenosine signalling partially controls caffeine’s impactWhy the DAF-2 insulin/IGF-1 pathway is required for the longevity effectWhat this teaches us about conserved stimulant–ageing biologyIt’s the worm equivalent of a perfectly measured flat white — just enough buzz to help you thrive.Based on the research article:“Lifespan Extension Induced by Caffeine in Caenorhabditis elegans is Partially Dependent on Adenosine Signaling”José C. Bridi, Arthur G.A. Barros, Laura R. Sampaio, João C.D. Ferreira, Fabiano A. Antunes Soares & Marcos A. Romano-Silva.Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2015)🔗 https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2015.00220🎧 Subscribe to the WOrM PodcastWhole-organism stories brewed fresh each week.www.veerenchauhan.com

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