How CO₂-sensing neurons in a worm could eventually protect humans from metabolic stress
Medical Xpress
March 6, 2026
All animals, including humans, experience stress. Not the type where you worry about paying bills, but metabolic stress—triggered by starvation, obesity or bacterial infections. When we are in a biologically stressed state, protective responses occur in mitochondria, which produce energy in every one of our cells, to cope with the stress and provide energy needed to survive. When mitochondria are overwhelmed by stress, they are unable to produce enough energy for cells to survive and the body starts to shut down.
Verticals
healthmedical
Originally published on Medical Xpress on 3/6/2026