# University of Cologne longevity research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-cologne-longevity-research
> Updated: 2026-10-24T10:05:31.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Researchers at the University of Cologne, led by Professor David Vilchez, have identified a metabolic signaling pathway that explains how moderate cold exposure can extend lifespan and delay aging. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, the study found that cold temperatures cause muscle tissue to increase production of the metabolite dihydrobiopterin (BH2). This metabolite is transported to other tissues, such as the gut and nerve cells, where it is converted into tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to support proteostasis.

Subsequent findings indicate that the life-extending effects of cold can be triggered without actual cooling by altering muscle metabolism or administering specific amino acids. In laboratory settings, the research demonstrated a protective effect on human nerve cells against damage similar to that seen in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study suggests these metabolic pathways could offer new methods for treating age-related diseases.

## Claims

- Researchers at the University of Cologne extended the lifespan of nematodes without using cold temperatures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The effect was achieved by altering muscle metabolism or administering a specific amino acid. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cold temperatures cause muscles to produce more BH2, which protects other tissues. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two metabolic products reduced cell damage in human nerve cells in a laboratory setting. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The observed cell damage in human nerve cells is similar to that occurring in ALS. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The research was led by David Vilchez. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The study results were published in the journal Nature. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Caenorhabditis elegans lives significantly longer at 15 degrees Celsius than at 20 degrees Celsius. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Climate change threatens museum operations in Florence

Climate change and extreme heat are forcing museums in Florence to rethink management, as rising temperatures threaten both staff welfare and the preservation of cultural sites.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-cologne-researchers-discover-mechanism-to-extend-lifespan

### 2026-10-21: University of Cologne researchers identify metabolic pathway linked to cold-induced longevity

University of Cologne scientists discovered that cold temperatures trigger muscle production of BH2, a metabolite that promotes tyrosine formation and helps maintain protein balance to extend lifespan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-cologne-researchers-identify-metabolic-pathway-linked-to-cold-induced-longevity

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Cite as: University of Cologne longevity research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-cologne-longevity-research