A paper titled “Implausibility of radical life extension in humans in the twenty-first century” was destined to ignite controversy in the longevity community. Published in Nature Aging, it lists Jay Olshansky as its corresponding author, a renowned researcher who has been studying the populational dynamics of life expectancy for decades. We delved deeper into this study and reached several prominent community members for comments.
Human Immortality — If you thought Human Immortality was just a concept in science fiction, this episode reveals how it will become science fact. For some scientists featured in this program, achieving Immortality is not a question of ‘If’. The real question is ‘When?’
Human Immortality (2022) Director: Emma Watts. Writers: Kyle McCabe, Christopher Webb Young. Stars: Samantha Brady, Aubrey DeGrey, Leonard Guarente. Genre: Documentary. Country: United States. Language: English. Release Date: August 31, 2022 (United States)
Synopsis: If you thought Human Immortality was just a concept in science fiction, this episode reveals how it will become science fact. For some scientists featured in this program, achieving Immortality is not a question of ‘If’. The real question is ‘When?’
One scientist shows how she is making lab-grown organs called ‘ghost hearts’ that not only grow quickly, but that can be accepted in any host’s body without rejection—ending the agony for those waiting for organ transplants. Another biologist is looking at Immortality at the microbiological level. In his lab, he’s identified the ‘longevity gene’ (called SIR2) that can slow the ageing process, and which holds the key that will unlock our ability to better control the rate at which we age. One gerontologist is unearthing the immortal secrets of lobsters, who never stop growing and naturally live up to the astonishing age of 122 years. Inspired by how their bodies regulate cellular division, he’s developing cutting-edge medications that will boost human longevity.
Incredibly, one pioneer is creating a unique medical cocktail that can even reverse ageing. Medical techniques like these could pave the way to Human Immortality.
Researchers are queuing up to try a powerful microscopy technique that can simultaneously sequence an individual cell’s DNA and pinpoint the location of its proteins with high resolution — all without having to crack the cell open and extract its contents. Imaging DNA and proteins inside intact cells provides crucial information about how these molecules work together.
The method’s developers have already used it to study how ageing might alter the way that proteins in the nucleus interact with chromosomes. As the body ages, they found, changes in these nuclear proteins could suppress gene activity.
“This paper is really extraordinary,” says Ankur Sharma, a cancer biologist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia, who was not involved in the study but is keen to use the approach to study cancer cells and described it as “phenomenal” on the social-media platform, X.
Summary: New research demonstrates that learning a second language enhances brain connectivity, particularly when started in childhood. Scientists found that bilingual individuals have more efficient communication between brain regions, notably between the cerebellum and left frontal cortex.
The study, which used whole-brain fMRI scans, shows this effect increases the younger a second language is learned, suggesting an early boost to cognitive flexibility and neuroplasticity. This heightened connectivity may improve cognitive performance and resilience to age-related decline. The findings contribute to understanding bilingualism’s broader impact on the brain and could have implications for education and brain health.
While caloric restriction (CR) has long been associated with increased lifespan, the study found that its effectiveness is highly influenced by individual genetic factors; some mice on restrictive diets experienced a notable lifespan extension, while others saw minimal gains.
New research on mice suggests that while extreme caloric restriction may extend lifespan, genetic resilience plays a critical role.
They say aging is just a part of life, but have you ever wondered if it really has to be? What if getting older isn’t just something we accept but something we could actually treat?
In this riveting episode of Peak Human Labs Podcast, Dr. Sanjeev Goel, sits down with Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a trailblazing biomedical gerontologist and Chief Science Officer of the SENS Research Foundation. They dive deep into the revolutionary idea of treating aging as a medical condition. They explore how damage accumulates in our bodies over time and discuss the groundbreaking medical advancements that could extend our healthy lifespans. Dr. de Grey sheds light on the crucial need for investing in underfunded research and shares insights into the future of longevity science. Tune in and envision a future where health and longevity are not just aspirations but achievable realities!
[00:00:00] Introduction to longevity research. [00:00:51] Guest introduction. [00:01:17] Personal connection. [00:02:04] Dr. de Grey’s background. [00:03:14] Early research stages. [00:04:05] Understanding aging as a machine. [00:05:22] Accumulated damage mechanism. [00:06:15] Comprehensive medical control. [00:07:13] Categories of damage. [00:07:55] Wear and tear concept. [00:09:20] Epigenetic changes discussion. [00:11:31] Partial reprogramming concept. [00:13:30] Addressing multiple mechanisms. [00:14:31] Longevity escape velocity. [00:15:43] Initial pushback on longevity ideas. [00:17:51] Positive outlook on aging research. [00:19:51] The future of longevity research. [00:20:54] Funding disparities in research. [00:21:10] Business models in longevity research. [00:21:58] Combining existing therapies. [00:23:47] Current longevity therapies. [00:24:56] Caloric restriction vs. drugs. [00:25:36] Dublin Longevity Declaration. [00:26:39] Community building through conferences. [00:28:09] Anticipating longevity breakthroughs. [00:29:12] Access to longevity therapies. [00:30:58] Epigenetic clocks and age reversal. [00:32:24] Retroviruses and aging. [00:34:56] Persistent viral infections. [00:37:24] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. [00:37:49] Therapeutic blood exchange. [00:39:37] Discussion on active ingredients. [00:40:41] Bone marrow transplant experimentation. [00:42:09] Health benefits of bone marrow transplants. [00:43:05] Personal health practices. [00:43:55] Advice for maximizing healthy lifespan. [00:45:01] Microbiome and longevity.
My recent Op-Ed: We need integrated approaches to healthy longevity and to our human future. Enjoy my article and work with me to build a community of Human evolution of consciousness with AI.
