Cold temperatures extend roundworm lifespan through a body-wide metabolic signal

Summary

Two Nature articles published on 21 October 2026 report that cold temperature promotes longevity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. One reports a multi-tissue signalling system in which cold activates a BH2 metabolic network that promotes longevity and proteostasis. The other reports that a metabolite induced by cold links low temperatures to a body-wide signal that promotes longevity, and that this signalling system is also seen in human cells.

Timeline

1. Nature

   21 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTCSource ↗

   Nature reports that a multi-tissue signalling system links cold temperature to enhanced longevity and proteostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans, through a cold-activated BH2 metabolic network.

2. Nature

   21 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTCSource ↗

   Nature reports that in nematodes, a metabolite induced by the cold links low temperatures to a body-wide signal that promotes longevity, and that this signalling system is also seen in human cells.