Death accelerates reproduction, shortens lifespan of C. elegans worms

C. elegans worms exposed to dead counterparts exhibit accelerated reproduction and shortened lifespans, according to new research. Scientists found that the worms, which lack eyes, detect death through smell, specifically identifying two metabolites released by decaying cells as the death signal. This triggers avoidance behavior and physiological changes. The study, published in Cell Reports, suggests that the worms' response to death may be an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, similar to behaviors observed in other species like bees and ants.