African killifish may hold key to stopping ageing in humans

Turquoise killifish is able to suspend its development for longer than its average lifespan

The curious ability of the African turquoise killifish to press pause on its development could have intriguing implications for human ageing, say researchers.

Certain creatures, including the killifish, can put themselves into suspended animation as an embryo - a trait known as diapause. The phenomenon is thought to have evolved in response to pressures such as seasonal changes in the environment - for example ponds drying up - or sudden challenges that pose a risk to the creatures. In other words, diapause allows the animal to put its development or birth on ice until conditions improve.