Plain English with Derek Thompson The Biggest Breakthroughs in Science Happening Right Now
19 snips
Dec 27, 2023 
In a captivating discussion, Dr. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and bestselling author, shares insights on groundbreaking scientific achievements from 2023. Topics include NASA's asteroid discoveries, revolutionary CRISPR treatments for sickle cell disease, and AI’s role in accelerating vaccine development. The fascinating concept of simultaneous invention illustrates how innovation thrives in collaboration. Plus, hear about promising cancer treatments using engineered bacteria and the transformative impact of GLP-1 medications on diabetes and weight loss.
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Internal Clocks
- Scientists can now determine the age of 11 different body organs using plasma proteins.
- This advances aging science, allowing for organ-specific treatment and personalized health assessments.
Organ-Specific Aging
- Biological age, assessed through epigenetic clocks, reflects overall body aging, not individual organ health.
- New research allows for organ-specific age determination, enabling targeted interventions.
CRISPR Technology
- CRISPR is revolutionary for gene editing, but the initial technology is a blunt tool.
- More precise methods, base editing and prime editing, offer refined gene editing without double-stranded DNA disruption.
