In this discussion, longevity expert Martin Borch Jensen, co-founder of Gordian Biotechnology, delves into the intricacies of extending human life. He addresses why it's easier to prolong lifespan in simpler organisms than in humans. Jensen also explores how societal norms around aging might change if lifespans increase dramatically. The conversation highlights innovative research in aging mechanisms and the potential ethical challenges we face as we seek to live longer lives. Prepare to rethink aging and the future of longevity!
Longevity research is focused on understanding aging mechanisms to translate insights from simpler organisms to human applications.
Despite advances in public health, maximum human lifespans have remained relatively unchanged, indicating the complexity of extending longevity.
The future of longevity science hinges on developing new methodologies and biomarkers that can effectively measure and improve overall health during aging.
Deep dives
The Quest for Longevity Research
Longevity research seeks to understand the biological mechanisms behind aging in order to extend human lifespan. Recent studies involving simpler organisms such as worms and mice have shown potential methods for increasing lifespan, indicating that similar approaches might be explored for humans. This research faces challenges due to the complexity of human biology, which involves numerous interacting molecular signals that affect aging. Currently, significant advancements have been made in extending lifespans in model organisms, but translating these findings to humans remains a complex endeavor.
Historical Perspectives on Life Expectancy
Life expectancy has dramatically increased over the past 200 years, with average lifespans rising from around 29 years to 73 years in the 21st century. Much of this increase can be attributed to advances in public health and sanitation rather than breakthroughs in age-related medical interventions. However, maximum lifespans for humans have remained relatively static, showing little change despite advancements in technology and health care. This biological limitation suggests that while we can prevent early deaths, significantly enhancing the maximum lifespan might require deeper scientific breakthroughs.
Biological Mechanisms of Aging
Aging can be described as a series of biological changes that accumulate over time, diminishing the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and leading to age-related diseases. Factors such as cellular senescence, inflammation, and the loss of regenerative capacity play critical roles in the aging process. Researchers are looking for biomarkers that could effectively measure aging and potentially lead to interventions that prolong health and longevity. Understanding these mechanisms may allow scientists to discover therapies that target aging rather than just treating age-related diseases.
Challenges in Longevity Drug Research
Drug research in the field of longevity is hindered by the complexities of human aging and underlying biological systems. Current methods primarily focus on single-target drugs based on simplified models, which can overlook the intricate nature of aging in humans. A new approach involves using more realistic animal models to study diseases as they progress naturally over time, enabling researchers to evaluate potential treatments in ways that mimic human aging. This shift might lead to more effective therapies that improve not just longevity but overall quality of life as people age.
Future Prospects for Longevity Science
The potential for significant advancements in longevity science over the coming decades depends on developing robust methodologies and biomarkers for assessing aging. As technology progresses, there is hope that treatments for age-related ailments will become routine and more effective. The societal implications of living longer could be profound, including a reevaluation of retirement, career paths, and health care systems. Ultimately, the goal is not just to extend life but to enhance the quality of life during those additional years, allowing people to enjoy a fuller existence.
Two certainties are death and taxes; a third is that people will work hard to avoid them both. But why is it so difficult to extend our lifespan? We know how to do it in worms and mice; why is it tricky in humans? Why do so few companies study longevity? What does the near future hold? What would it be like if everyone lived a much longer life? Join Eagleman this week with longevity expert Martin Borch Jensen to discuss the hopes and challenges of longevity science.
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