Siim Land Podcast #472 Scientist Reveals the Hidden Program of Aging and How to Control It - Josh Mitteldorf PhD
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Sep 26, 2025 Josh Mitteldorf, PhD, is a physicist turned aging researcher and the author of "Cracking the Aging Code." He explores why aging may be a programmed process shaped by evolution, diving into concepts like caloric restriction, telomere shortening, and altruistic cell death. Mitteldorf discusses species that exhibit negligible aging, the role of insulin in lifespan, and the potential of exosomes for rejuvenation. He also touches on the ethical implications of life extension and shares practical longevity tips, offering a fascinating glimpse into controlling our biological clock.
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Abundance Shortens Lifespan
- Josh Mitteldorf argues organisms are not optimized to live as long as possible because abundance often shortens lifespan.
- He uses calorie restriction across species as evidence that aging is internally programmed rather than pure wear-and-tear.
Aging Presents An Evolutionary Paradox
- Mitteldorf highlights the apparent paradox: aging reduces fitness yet appears selected by evolution.
- He checked evolutionary theory deeply and found the paradox persists under standard selfish-gene logic.
Worms Run Out Of Sperm By Design
- Mitteldorf describes C. elegans running out of sperm after two days despite living ~20 days.
- He uses this as evidence of internal reproductive programming rather than inevitable wear.
