Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 16 | Coleen Murphy on Aging, Biology, and the Future
Oct 1, 2018
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Aging Is An Evolutionary Choice
- Aging is an evolved trait, not an unavoidable physical law, shaped by evolutionary pressures to favor reproduction over longevity.
- That means biology didn't 'intend' immortality and many aging mechanisms are selectable rather than fundamental limits.
Start With Tractable Models
- Use simple model systems when tackling big biological questions because powerful genetic tools accelerate discovery.
- Start by comparing normal versus long-lived mutants to identify molecular differences to target.
Worms Reveal Early Predictors Of Longevity
- C. elegans is a tractable animal model with short lifespans and conserved genes that lets researchers link genes to aging phenotypes quickly.
- Isogenic worm cohorts reveal stochastic differences that can predict individual longevity from early molecular readouts.