The life and times of life and time.

Most scientists acknowledge that we know very little about the ageing process. However, a Californian team of Scientists have created a breed of worm with a mutated gene which 'tells' them not to die, with the result that the worms are living three times longer than normal. A further team of researchers has bred fruit flies which reproduce later in their lifespan and therefore live longer. The final group is investigating the genetic make-up of hundreds of centenarians to pinpoint what enables them to keep going.