In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy explores the enigmatic topic of aging, discussing its definitions, cultural significance, and the latest scientific advancements aimed at understanding and potentially reversing the aging process. The conversation delves into the historical obsession with aging, the current state of research, and the implications of emerging therapies.

Keywords

aging, science, medicine, longevity, epigenetics, biological clocks, senescence, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, immortality, geroscience

Takeaways

• Aging is a complex and mysterious process and is defined variably by different scientists.
• Modern science is exploring senolytic drugs and gene therapies.
• The hallmarks of aging provide a framework for understanding the process.
• Biological aging clocks are a tool for measuring age.
• Epigenetics play a key role in how we age.Aging is a universal process affecting everyone.
• Research is ongoing to find ways to slow or reverse aging.
• Age reversal is possible at the cellular level, but is not yet a reality for humans.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Ostrich egg from South Africa

Chapters

00:00 The Mystery of Aging

03:01 Understanding Aging: Damage Accumulation and Resilience

06:10 The Hallmarks of Aging

08:54 Epigenetics: The Key to Biological Age

12:11 Age Reversal: Resetting the Slinky

Notes:

Seminal Hallmarks of Aging Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23746838/

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy and Dr. Gustavo Mostoslavsky delve into the world of stem cells and regenerative medicine. They discuss the fundamental properties of stem cells, their classifications, and the controversies surrounding their use in treatments. The conversation highlights the groundbreaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their potential therapeutic applications, as well as the emerging field of organoids. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind stem cells, the ethical implications, and the need for patience as research progresses towards practical applications.

Keywords

stem cells, regenerative medicine, iPSCs, pluripotent, adult stem cells, Shinya Yamanaka, bioartificial organs, stem cell tourism, gene editing, organoids

Takeaways

• Stem cells have two main properties: self-renewal and differentiation.
• Adult stem cells are found in tissues and organs, while pluripotent stem cells can become any cell type.
• iPSCs were discovered by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, revolutionizing stem cell research.
• Ethical concerns exist around embryonic stem cells, but iPSCs offer a non-controversial alternative.
• Stem cell tourism exploits desperate patients with unproven treatments; Education and awareness are crucial to avoid falling for stem false claims.
• Organoids are miniaturized and simplified versions of organs created in vitro.
• iPSCs are used for disease modeling and have potential therapeutic applications.
• Gene editing, like CRISPR, is advancing stem cell research.
• Bioartificial organs could solve organ transplant shortages in the future.
• The field of stem cell research is rapidly advancing, with many clinical trials underway; The future of stem cell research holds promise for transformative therapies, but patience is needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

02:21 Defining Stem Cells: Properties and Classifications

07:52 Controversies in Stem Cell Treatments

15:07 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Game Changer

21:44 Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells

30:44 Organoids and Their Applications in the Laboratory

38:47 Future of Stem Cell Research and Applications

Notes:

Seminal Yamanaka iPSC Creation Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16904174/International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR): https://www.isscr.org/

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy hosts Dr. Tom Perls, a leading expert in human exceptional longevity. They discuss Dr. Perls' journey into gerontology, the New England Centenarian Study, and the factors contributing to exceptional longevity. The conversation covers the genetic and environmental influences on aging, the role of centenarians in understanding longevity, and practical advice for living a centenarian-like life.

Keywords

longevity, centenarians, aging, health, resilience, exceptional aging, gerontology, aging research, genetics, healthspan

Takeaways

• Dr. Tom Perls shares his journey into gerontology and exceptional longevity.
• The New England Centenarian Study is the largest study of centenarians and their families.
• Centenarians often defy the expectation that older age equates to poorer health.
• The majority of centenarians are female, with unique resilience against age-related diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors both play significant roles in longevity.
• The concept of 'escapers' who avoid age-related diseases is explored.
• Dr. Perls introduces the 'Sageing' acronym for healthy aging practices.
• Lifestyle choices can influence longevity and healthspan.
• The potential for future therapeutics to extend life is discussed.
• Avoid smoking and anti-aging quackery for better health.
• Optimism about aging can motivate healthier choices.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Original artwork composed of rolled magazine pages, Bali, Indonesia

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Longevity and Exceptional Aging

01:07 Dr. Perls’ Journey into Gerontology and Exceptional Longevity

05:57 Defining Exceptional Longevity

08:49 Gender Differences in Centenarians14:50 The Centenarian Boom and Population Trends

19:53 Stratifying Centenarians: Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers

25:28 Genetics vs. Environment in Longevity32:23 Becoming Centenarian-like

37:07 The SAGEING framework for Healthy Aging

45:40 Anti-aging Quackery

48:23 Future of Longevity Science

52:41 Lesson from Centenarians

In the premier episode of The ReProgram podcast, Dr. George Murphy introduces the concept of reprogramming oneself for resilience against disease and disability. He shares his existential crisis about focusing on disease treatment rather than prevention, leading to a new approach centered on studing dynamic resilience, or our ability to robustly respond to insult and injury. The episode also outlines topics for future discussions, including the history and use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, exceptional longevity and centenarians, and the realities of age reversal.

Keywords

reprogramming, resilience, iPSCs, stem cells, disease prevention, dynamic resilience, centenarians, longevity, regenerative medicine, geroscience, age reversal

Takeaways

• Reprogramming oneself can lead to resilience against disease.
• Focusing on disease prevention is more effective than treatment.
• Centenarians offer insights into exceptional longevity.
• Genes and mechanisms drive resilience to disease.
• Understanding aging is crucial before we can even begin to contemplate age reversal.
• The podcast explores longevity and geroscience.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Avengers Marvel Legends Full Scale Iron Man Electronic Helmet

Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction to The ReProgram podcast

(00:00:35) The Role of Master Stem Cells in Disease Modeling and Regenerative Medicine

(00:01:58) Existential Crisis and a New Approach to Science and Medicine

(00:04:22) Dynamic Resilience and Longevity

(00:05:16) Future Topics and Explorations