High-throughput multi-modal analysis of natural variation in C. elegans healthspan

We will contribute to both Specific Aims but with the most contributions to Specific Aim 2. To complete this Aim, we will perform all of the quantitative behavioral assays optimized in Specific Aim 1 on a collection of 16 wild C. elegans strains that represent much of the genotypic diversity of the species. Explicit tasks will include but will not be limited to: • Assay 16 wild C. elegans isolates for each of the optimized traits from Specific Aim 1. • Calculate broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability for each of these traits to determine which traits are most controlled by genetic factors across the population. • Perform statistical analyses of the level of replication required to describe and utilize the optimized traits from Specific Aim 1, including drop-out analyses and linear modeling.