Longevity by Design

Dr. Albert-László Barabási, a distinguished professor and network science pioneer, dives into the intriguing concept of 'nutritional dark matter'—the myriad of little-known food molecules that play crucial roles in our health. He connects aging to a loss of resilience, illustrating how networks in our body affect our recovery from stress. Barabási also critiques ultra-processed foods and their disease links, sharing innovative tools to assess food quality. His passion for connecting health, nutrition, and community shines through, inspiring a more mindful approach to eating.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kerry Burnight, a leading gerontologist and New York Times bestselling author, dives into the concept of 'joyspan'—focusing on purpose and connection for a vibrant later life. She explains how traditional views on aging often ignore the potential for growth and joy. Dr. Burnight shares insights on fostering strong social ties, the importance of adaptability, and how giving back can enhance health and purpose. Listeners are encouraged to rethink aging and embrace practices that lead to a fulfilling and resilient future.

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Gil Blander sits down with Florence Comite, MD, physician-scientist and founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity. They explore why a one-size-fits-all approach to longevity falls short and how personalized data, from biomarkers to genetics, can spot early signs of disease before symptoms appear.Florence explains her “Nof1” method, which uses deep testing, wearables, and personal history to craft precise health plans. She highlights how sleep, more than exercise or diet, shapes long-term health but remains hard for most people to optimize. Using real-world examples, Florence shows why tracking markers like insulin and hormones matter, and why most people need support to turn health knowledge into action.The conversation covers the limits of standard medical care, the value of knowing your family history, and how even the best routines must adapt over time. Florence urges listeners to get curious about their own data and take steps—however small—toward better health.Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Dr. Florence Comite💡 What she does: Physician-scientist and innovator💡 Company: Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity💡 Noteworthy: Known for pioneering “Nof1™” precision medicine, integrating genomics, biomarkers, and lifestyle data to prevent and delay chronic disease and optimize healthspan.💡 Guest Company Website: https://www.comitemd.com/  Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:00]: Sleep vs. Exercise in Health Priorities[00:02:00]: Background and Shift from Conventional to Proactive Medicine[00:04:00]: Early Epiphanies on Aging and Metabolic Decline[00:06:00]: Connecting Data Across Systems and the Limits of One-Size-Fits-All[00:08:00]: Family Variability and the Case for Individualized Care[00:10:00]: Genetics, Environment, and the Impact of Lifestyle[00:11:00]: Challenges in Applying Genomic Data in Medicine[00:12:00]: Nof1™ Protocols and Personalized Data Collection[00:14:00]: Baseline Assessments and Biomarker Analysis[00:16:00]: Holistic Approach to Patient Assessment[00:17:00]: Importance of VO2 Max and Endurance for Healthspan[00:18:00]: Early Detection and Intervention in Children and Adults[00:19:00]: Insulin, Glucose, and Overlooked Markers in Pre-Diabetes[00:20:00]: Evolutionary Perspective on Metabolic Disease[00:21:00]: Moderation, Wearables, and the Promise of Digital Health[00:22:00]: Behavioral Barriers to Lifestyle Change[00:23:00]: Wearables, Real-Time Feedback, and Democratizing Health Data[00:24:00]: Drivers of Chronic Disease and the Role of Genetics[00:27:00]: Lifestyle Interventions That Move the Needle[00:28:00]: Sleep as a Foundational Health Variable[00:30:00]: Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality[00:33:00]: Personalized Sleep Optimization and Barriers for the General Public[00:36:00]: Hormonal Changes, HRT, and Gender Differences in Aging[00:44:00]: Longevity Myths and the Limits of Universal Advice[00:47:00]: Genetics, Data, and Playing the Best Hand[00:51:00]: Using Family History and Genetic Insights for Prevention[00:52:00]: Book Preview: Prototypes and Personalization[00:55:00]: Key Biomarkers and the Value of Actionable Advice[00:56:00]: Integrating AI and Automation in Precision Medicine[00:59:00]: Final Thoughts and Practical Wisdom[01:00:00]: Closing Remarks and ResourcesWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a hea

In this episode of Longevity by Design, our host, Dr. Gil Blander, sits down with Dylan Livingston, CEO at the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, and Dr. Brenda Eap to explore how public policy shapes the future of aging research. Dylan and Brendan share how their team pushes for legislation that supports healthy lifespan extension, aiming to bring longevity science into the center of national health priorities.Dylan and Brendan explain why policy advocacy is crucial for securing funding for research, reducing regulatory hurdles, and establishing a clear path for new therapies. They outline recent successes, including building bipartisan support in Congress and expanding access to experimental treatments in states such as Montana. Throughout their discussion, Dylan shows how effective communication,  using stories and simple analogies, helps move longevity from the lab to lawmakers’ agendas.The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Dylan highlights the power of community, clear communication, and grassroots action as tools that help turn advanced science into real-world health gains.Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:00]: Overview of Longevity Policy and Research Funding[00:02:00]: Backgrounds and Personal Journeys into Longevity Advocacy[00:05:00]: Inspiration and Founding of Longevity Policy Organization[00:07:00]: Scientific Training and Motivation for Policy Work[00:09:00]: Mission and Approach of Longevity Advocacy Organization[00:10:00]: Policy Advocacy’s Role in Advancing Longevity Research[00:12:00]: Gaps in Funding and the Importance of Government Engagement[00:13:00]: Experiences with Policy Events and Realizations about Advocacy[00:14:00]: Early Accomplishments and Congressional Engagement[00:15:00]: Building Bipartisan Support and the Longevity Science Caucus[00:16:00]: Legislative Engagement and Policy Paper Development[00:17:00]: State-Level Policy Wins and Expansion of Right to Try Laws[00:19:00]: Rationale and Strategy for State-Level Focus[00:21:00]: Plans for Geographic Expansion of Longevity Policy Initiatives[00:23:00]: Political Climate and Opportunities with the Current Administration[00:25:00]: Shifts in Federal Attitudes Toward Longevity and Healthspan[00:27:00]: Demographics, Policy Momentum, and National Health Priorities[00:29:00]: Prevention Versus Treatment: Shifting Policy Mindsets[00:32:00]: Communicating Policy Opportunities to a Wider Audience[00:34:00]: Ensuring Longevity Policy Remains Bipartisan[00:35:00]: Intersection of Policy, Science, and Public Engagement[00:37:00]: Funding and Regulatory Challenges in Longevity Research[00:39:00]: Barriers in Clinical Trials and Policy Modernization[00:40:00]: Strategies for Communicating Longevity Science to Policymakers[00:44:00]: Framing Longevity for Policy Impact and Public Understanding[00:48:00]: Future Vision and Milestones for Longevity Policy[00:51:00]: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Longevity Advocacy[00:55:00]: Practical Longevity Advice and Episode ConclusionWe Appreciate You!As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Simply click the link below to redeem your discount: https://info.insidetracker.com/podcastFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

Peter Fedichev, a physicist-turned-biotech innovator and CEO of Gero, dives into the intricacies of aging. He explains how resilience, rather than disease, is key to longevity and frames aging as a series of 'jumps' in physiology. Peter advocates for startups as the future of longevity research, highlights the importance of molecular fidelity, and discusses the limitations of animal models in aging studies. His insights on personal longevity practices and the role of social factors offer listeners a fresh perspective on enhancing healthspan.

Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, delves into the fascinating world of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and its potential to slow biological aging. He discusses groundbreaking findings from recent clinical trials that hint at measurable age reversal. The conversation highlights the importance of rigorous human trials in validating longevity treatments and the exciting possibilities of combining TPE with personalized lifestyle strategies for an extended healthspan.

Dr. Keith Diaz, an Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University, sheds light on the dangers of prolonged sitting. He reveals that daily exercise alone can't reverse sedentary effects, recommending just five minutes of light walking every hour to boost mood and reduce fatigue. The discussion highlights how modern environments encourage sedentary behavior, while offering practical strategies like treadmill desks and family walks to incorporate movement into daily life. Diaz advocates for rethinking our daily habits to enhance overall health.

Dr. Haim Cohen, a Professor of Molecular Genetics at Bar-Ilan University and director of the Minerva Israel-Germany Center for Biological Mechanisms of Aging, shares groundbreaking insights on aging. He discusses how his team analyzed acetylation sites across 107 mammalian species, revealing evolutionary adaptations linked to longevity. The conversation covers the impact of acetylation on DNA repair and mitochondrial function, as well as the potential to mimic these adaptations in transgenic mice. Haim also emphasizes the importance of gender-specific aging research and practical lifestyle changes to enhance longevity.

Karl Pfleger, an aging biotechnology investor and creator of AgingBiotech.info, dives into the explosive growth of aging therapeutics. He distinguishes between interventions that slow aging and rejuvenation strategies that repair damage. Karl shares insights on promising therapies like senolytics and epigenetic reprogramming, while cautioning about the limitations of current aging clocks and popular weight-loss drugs. Highlighting recent FDA approvals and the necessity of a multi-target strategy for longevity, he also emphasizes the foundational role of diet, exercise, and sleep in maximizing healthspan.

Dr. Eric Topol, a leading figure in genomics and digital medicine, shares insights from his book 'Super Agers,' inspired by a remarkable 98-year-old patient. He presents five dimensions for optimizing healthspan, emphasizing personalized care through AI and data. The discussion touches on the critical roles of exercise, sleep, and social connections for healthy aging, as well as the risks of high-dose statins and the misconceptions surrounding supplements. Eric advocates for a preventative approach to healthcare, focusing on lifestyle changes over pills.