Aging is thought to be a natural and inevitable decline as our body wears out. But research carried on C. elegans, a small laboratory worm, by Cynthia Kenyon challenges this view. They found that mutations in the DAF-2 receptor for hormones dramatically altered the lifespan of these worms.

This is thought to work by releasing FOXO which activates the latent capacity for the worms to live longer than they normally do -- by activating the cell's ability to repair itself.

Why did this system arise in evolution?

Further studies in other species including mice has confirmed this overall pathway. This also explains the effects of restricted calories for the longevity in some humans.

How could we use this research? The search is on for some small molecule that could alter the activity of the DAF-2 receptor -- mimicking a mutation and activating the cell's repair mechanisms -- thereby delaying aging. For more, watch the TED Talk.