FT Tech Tonic

Daniel Ives, co-founder of Shift Bioscience, discusses groundbreaking gene therapies aimed at reversing aging and explores how reprogramming can reset cellular age. Liz Parrish, founder of BioViva, shares her experience with unapproved gene therapies and advocates for faster access for terminal patients. Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan raises concerns about the moral implications of life extension, warning that longevity treatments could exacerbate inequality. They dive into the risks, motivations, and future potential of regenerative medicine.

Boyang Wang, a venture capitalist and founder of the Immortal Dragons longevity fund, discusses Singapore's rise as a hub for longevity healthcare. He reveals how the city-state blends government initiatives and private investments to tackle ageing. Topics include ambitious biotech projects, regulatory advantages, and radical ideas like brain transplants. Wang emphasizes the importance of extending healthspan over lifespan, while experts highlight the growing consumer demand amidst limited scientific evidence, raising questions about regulation and societal shifts in an age of longevity.

David Gems, a professor at University College London renowned for his pioneering work on the biology of ageing, teams up with longevity researcher Matt Kaeberlein from the University of Washington. They delve into the fascinating history of ageing research, highlighting key discoveries about genes that extend lifespan and the collapse of the oxidative damage theory. Kaeberlein shares insights on caloric restriction and promising drugs like rapamycin, while Gems advocates for practical anti-ageing measures that can enhance quality of life.

Delve into the fascinating world of longevity where investors are pouring billions into life-extension technologies. Discover the dream of a night-time pill that could reverse aging while you sleep. Explore the obsession with longevity amongst the wealthy, tying deep fears about death to their quest for power. Uncover the ethical dilemmas and pitfalls within a rapidly evolving industry riddled with bad actors. A thrilling journey through cutting-edge science and the complexities of our desire to live longer awaits!

A hidden health crisis unfolds as lead poisoning quietly impacts lives across the UK. The host reveals how the toxic substance often goes unnoticed, accumulating in our bodies and escaping detection by standard tests. Listeners learn about the alarming scale of this epidemic and the extensive long-term consequences of exposure. This eye-opening exploration invites you to reconsider your own environment and raises awareness about a problem that many might not even realize exists.

Michael Lopez-Alegria, a veteran NASA astronaut and chief astronaut at Axiom Space, shares his deep insights into what living on Mars might really mean. He discusses the emotional toll of long missions, including the hardships of isolation and the psychological weight of being so far from Earth. The conversation also touches on the harsh realities of Mars’ environment, from toxic soil to radiation exposure. Lopez-Alegria critiques the romanticized visions of self-sustaining Mars colonies, emphasizing that any Martian settlement would likely remain dependent on Earth.

The podcast dives into the intense space race between the US and China, focusing on NASA's struggles amid budget cuts and leadership voids. Guests discuss the legacy of Apollo missions, tragic shuttle disasters, and the impact on future Mars explorations. China's rapid advancements in space are contrasted with NASA's delays, revealing a stark competition for who will conquer the red planet first. Legal gray areas and private sector involvement in space missions are examined, raising questions about governance and life on Mars.

In this discussion, Casey Dreyer, Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society, emphasizes the scientific allure of Mars as a preserved archive of our solar system, quoting Carl Sagan. Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society, passionately advocates for Mars settlement, detailing how SpaceX's reusable rockets have slashed launch costs, making Musk's ambitious plans more feasible. They explore Musk's vision of interplanetary living and the myriad technical challenges still ahead for humanity’s potential leap to the Red Planet.

Explore the bold visions for Mars exploration, with ambitions from global leaders. The podcast delves into Trump's pledge to plant the American flag on the red planet and China's plans for a crewed mission in the next decade. Hear how Elon Musk envisions a future where humans not only land but also settle on Mars, transforming our species into interplanetary explorers. Peggy Hollinger leads the discussion on whether we are truly on the brink of this monumental leap in human achievement.

This episode sparks excitement with a big announcement about a prestigious Signal Award nomination for Best Technology Podcast. The host urges listeners to cast their votes and rally support, not just for their show but for other nominated podcasts in different categories too. It's a call to action that emphasizes the importance of listener engagement. As the show wraps up, anticipation builds for future content, promising fresh insights just around the corner.