We use C. elegans to understand the relationship between animals, nutrition and microbes. We have found that inhibition of E. coli folate synthesis increases C. elegans lifespan and we are investigating how this works and if it is applicable to the mammalian gut. We are also using bacterial genetics to explore other E. coli genes that influence C. elegans ageing and physiology. Another project in the lab is to use C. elegans as a bioprocessing tool to make proteins from parasitic nematodes.