In this end-of-year episode of the WOrM Podcast, we explore a seasonal but scientifically grounded idea: a Christmas recipe for worms.Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, this episode examines how food-derived compounds — often associated with festive spices and treats — are used experimentally to probe ageing, stress resistance, and metabolic regulation. The focus is firmly on mechanism, not diet: defined molecules, controlled assays, and conserved biological pathways.We explore how compounds such as curcumin (turmeric), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon), eugenol (cloves), ginger-derived phytochemicals, resveratrol (red wine), and polyphenols from cocoa influence longevity and stress responses in worms. Across these studies, pathways including DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2, and sirtuin-associated signalling repeatedly emerge as central regulators.This episode does not offer dietary or health advice, nor does it extrapolate findings directly to humans. Instead, it reflects on how simple molecules — studied rigorously in a small organism — continue to shape our understanding of ageing biology.We close with a calm end-of-year reflection on C. elegans as a system for thinking about time, stress, and resilience as one year ends and another begins.📖 Based on the research articles:“Curcumin extends life span, improves health span and modulates stress responses in Caenorhabditis elegansLiao, V. H.-C., Yu, C.-W., Chu, Y.-J., Li, W.-H., Hsieh, Y.-C. & Wang, T.-T.Mechanisms of Ageing and Development (2011)🔗 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2011.04.002“Syzygium aromaticum L. elicits lifespan extension and attenuates age-related β-amyloid-induced proteotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegansKumar, D., Kumar, S., Kohli, S., Arya, R. & Gupta, J.Journal of Functional Foods (2014)“Resveratrol mimics caloric restriction to extend life span in Caenorhabditis elegansWood, J. G., Rogina, B., Lavu, S., Howitz, K., Helfand, S. L., Tatar, M. & Sinclair, D.Nature (2004)🔗 https://doi.org/10.1038/nature02789“Food-derived polyphenols modulate stress resistance and ageing in Caenorhabditis elegansVarious authorsFrontiers in Pharmacology (2023)“Bioactive food compounds as modulators of ageing pathways in Caenorhabditis elegansReview articlePhytochemistry Reviews / related sourcesThis podcast is generated with artificial intelligence and curated by Veeren. If you’d like your publication featured on the show, please get in touch.📩 More info:🔗 www.veerenchauhan.com📧 [email protected]

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