Ancient Emotional Mechanisms Revealed by Worms' Illumination

Researchers have discovered that roundworms, specifically Caenorhabditis elegans, exhibit behavior consistent with basic emotions when subjected to electric shocks. The worms prioritize escape over food, indicating a primitive form of emotion. Genetic analysis suggests that neuropeptides play a role in regulating this emotional response, potentially revealing an active genetic mechanism behind emotions. This foundational research could lead to new treatments for emotional disorders in humans.