The Earth’s magnetic field may influence aging, according to a study by University of Nottingham researchers on fruit flies. By keeping flies in a magnetic shield, the study found that those with a faulty gene linked to mitochondrial dysfunction lived up to 20% longer, while healthy flies improved their climbing ability but not lifespan. This suggests the magnetic field could affect aging, particularly based on mitochondrial health.
The Earth’s magnetic field, generated by molten iron in the outer core, extends into space, deflecting solar wind and harmful radiation, making Earth habitable. While some animals navigate using this field, its effects on cellular processes are largely unexplored. Understanding this could be crucial for future astronauts who will spend more time outside Earth’s protective magnetic environment.
For further details, the study is published in the journal Aging.
