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1 00:00:08,190 00:00:09,780 Every life... Every life...
2 00:00:10,400 00:00:11,650 Has a lifespan. Has a lifespan.
3 00:00:15,280 00:00:19,330 The C. elegans worm gets on average 14 days on Earth. The C. elegans worm gets on average 14 days on Earth.
4 00:00:19,410 00:00:22,120 European lobsters get up to 50 years. European lobsters get up to 50 years.
5 00:00:22,710 00:00:25,580 The Bristlecone pine tree, as much as 5,000. The Bristlecone pine tree, as much as 5,000.
6 00:00:26,130 00:00:27,420 And humans? And humans?
7 00:00:27,500 00:00:30,590 We have a maximum lifespan of around 120. We have a maximum lifespan of around 120.
8 00:00:31,210 00:00:35,390 As best we can tell, some people throughout history made it past 100. As best we can tell, some people throughout history made it past 100.
9 00:00:35,470 00:00:38,260 One tombstone of an ancient Roman soldier One tombstone of an ancient Roman soldier
10 00:00:38,350 00:00:42,890 states simply, "Vixit annis C." "He lived 100 years." states simply, "Vixit annis C." "He lived 100 years."
11 00:00:42,980 00:00:47,230 But for most of human history, you were pretty lucky to make it past five. But for most of human history, you were pretty lucky to make it past five.
12 00:00:48,270 00:00:50,070 Just 200 years ago, Just 200 years ago,
13 00:00:50,150 00:00:54,030 no country on Earth had a life expectancy higherthan 40. no country on Earth had a life expectancy higherthan 40.
14 00:00:54,110 00:00:57,070 But then, that number started ticking up. But then, that number started ticking up.
15 00:00:57,410 00:01:00,410 City's engineered ways to give people clean water. City's engineered ways to give people clean water.
16 00:01:00,830 00:01:03,000 We discovered that germs caused disease. We discovered that germs caused disease.
17 00:01:03,540 00:01:06,250 The germs have to leave the body of a sick person The germs have to leave the body of a sick person
18 00:01:06,330 00:01:08,500 and enter the body of one who is well. and enter the body of one who is well.
19 00:01:08,590 00:01:11,670 And started regularly washing our hands with soap And started regularly washing our hands with soap
20 00:01:11,750 00:01:16,220 Nutrition improved, and we invented new ways to keep food safe. Nutrition improved, and we invented new ways to keep food safe.
21 00:01:16,300 00:01:19,680 We discovered antibiotics and we developed vaccines, We discovered antibiotics and we developed vaccines,
22 00:01:20,180 00:01:23,730 knocking out some of the worst killers mankind has ever known. knocking out some of the worst killers mankind has ever known.
23 00:01:24,640 00:01:29,690 Since 1800, the average life expectancy worldwide has more than doubled Since 1800, the average life expectancy worldwide has more than doubled
24 00:01:29,770 00:01:31,610 to around 72 years. to around 72 years.
25 00:01:32,190 00:01:35,400 And the biggest reason is that you're now far less likely And the biggest reason is that you're now far less likely
26 00:01:35,490 00:01:38,950 to die of an infectious disease before you reach old age. to die of an infectious disease before you reach old age.
27 00:01:39,030 00:01:41,240 But for people who reach old age, But for people who reach old age,
28 00:01:41,330 00:01:44,370 their life expectancy hasn't increased much at all. their life expectancy hasn't increased much at all.
29 00:01:44,450 00:01:46,960 In England and Wales in 1840, In England and Wales in 1840,
30 00:01:47,040 00:01:50,420 a 70-year old could expect to live to 79. a 70-year old could expect to live to 79.
31 00:01:50,500 00:01:52,460 Today, it's 86. Today, it's 86.
32 00:01:52,880 00:01:55,760 A hundred and eighty years of scientific advancement A hundred and eighty years of scientific advancement
33 00:01:55,840 00:01:57,760 for just a seven-year bump. for just a seven-year bump.
34 00:01:57,840 00:02:01,550 If the human lifespan is 120 years, If the human lifespan is 120 years,
35 00:02:01,640 00:02:04,350 why, even in developed countries, why, even in developed countries,
36 00:02:04,430 00:02:07,390 do most of us only make it two-thirds of the way there? do most of us only make it two-thirds of the way there?
37 00:02:08,140 00:02:11,020 What is it about old age that kills us? What is it about old age that kills us?
38 00:02:11,310 00:02:12,860 And is it treatable? And is it treatable?
39 00:02:12,940 00:02:16,530 Today's drugs truly work medical miracles, for young and older lives. Today's drugs truly work medical miracles, for young and older lives.
40 00:02:17,280 00:02:19,660 It was only 1930. It was only 1930.
41 00:02:19,740 00:02:21,530 You get a disease, you die. You get a disease, you die.
42 00:02:21,620 00:02:24,160 And then suddenly, you take a pill and you live. And then suddenly, you take a pill and you live.
43 00:02:26,290 00:02:29,080 Aging is only now coming into its own. Aging is only now coming into its own.
44 00:02:29,540 00:02:32,590 I really think we could be on the eve of a whole new era. I really think we could be on the eve of a whole new era.
45 00:02:32,670 00:02:35,250 The finiteness of life. The finiteness of life.
46 00:02:35,340 00:02:38,840 It forces me to appreciate every sunrise. It forces me to appreciate every sunrise.
47 00:02:44,810 00:02:47,060 So, what is aging? So, what is aging?
48 00:02:47,680 00:02:50,310 Some of its symptoms are hearing loss, Some of its symptoms are hearing loss,
49 00:02:50,400 00:02:51,770 poor eyesight, poor eyesight,
50 00:02:51,850 00:02:53,270 weakened muscles, weakened muscles,
51 00:02:53,360 00:02:56,530 our heart rate slows, our blood pressure rises, our heart rate slows, our blood pressure rises,
52 00:02:56,610 00:03:00,110 and our brains become less nimble and more inclined to forget. and our brains become less nimble and more inclined to forget.
53 00:03:00,950 00:03:05,200 Our ability to stay focused on a problem Our ability to stay focused on a problem
54 00:03:05,280 00:03:07,330 declines with aging. declines with aging.
55 00:03:07,410 00:03:10,670 There's a series of problems, all of which accumulate There's a series of problems, all of which accumulate
56 00:03:11,040 00:03:13,750 such that the quality of life diminishes. such that the quality of life diminishes.
57 00:03:13,840 00:03:18,550 The amount that we can actually live actively in the world goes down. The amount that we can actually live actively in the world goes down.
58 00:03:19,130 00:03:20,300 And as we age, And as we age,
59 00:03:20,380 00:03:23,850 our risk of dying from a chronic disease skyrockets. our risk of dying from a chronic disease skyrockets.
60 00:03:23,930 00:03:26,890 Aging is the major risk factor for death Aging is the major risk factor for death
61 00:03:26,970 00:03:29,890 for any one of those diseases we're afraid from. for any one of those diseases we're afraid from.
62 00:03:29,980 00:03:32,850 From cancer, from cardiovascular disease, From cancer, from cardiovascular disease,
63 00:03:32,940 00:03:35,190 from Alzheimer, from diabetes. from Alzheimer, from diabetes.
64 00:03:35,270 00:03:37,730 Now, you might stop me and say, "Just a minute! Now, you might stop me and say, "Just a minute!
65 00:03:37,820 00:03:40,950 For cardiovascular disease, isn't it cholesterol?" For cardiovascular disease, isn't it cholesterol?"
66 00:03:41,030 00:03:43,070 Well, cholesterol is a three-fold risk. Well, cholesterol is a three-fold risk.
67 00:03:43,530 00:03:47,490 But aging is a 5,000-fold risk. But aging is a 5,000-fold risk.
68 00:03:47,580 00:03:49,910 In the US, the majority of deaths In the US, the majority of deaths
69 00:03:50,000 00:03:53,960 are now caused by a chronic  disease associated with old age. are now caused by a chronic  disease associated with old age.
70 00:03:54,040 00:03:56,340 The costs are extraordinary. The costs are extraordinary.
71 00:03:56,670 00:04:01,630 86% of healthcare spending in the US goes towards treating chronic diseases. 86% of healthcare spending in the US goes towards treating chronic diseases.
72 00:04:02,260 00:04:05,890 Finding cures for these diseases has been a fixation Finding cures for these diseases has been a fixation
73 00:04:05,970 00:04:08,930 of governments, and scientists, and societies. of governments, and scientists, and societies.
74 00:04:09,020 00:04:12,980 With a new moonshot, America can cure cancer. With a new moonshot, America can cure cancer.
75 00:04:13,390 00:04:18,610 An incoming coalition government will commit an additional 200 million dollars An incoming coalition government will commit an additional 200 million dollars
76 00:04:19,110 00:04:20,690 to dementia research. to dementia research.
77 00:04:20,780 00:04:23,200 Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women.
78 00:04:24,530 00:04:26,660 But we haven't found one yet. But we haven't found one yet.
79 00:04:26,740 00:04:30,200 So some researchers have proposed a different strategy, So some researchers have proposed a different strategy,
80 00:04:30,620 00:04:33,870 focusing on what they see as the underlying cause. focusing on what they see as the underlying cause.
81 00:04:34,370 00:04:35,420 Aging. Aging.
82 00:04:36,830 00:04:40,250 Scientists have estimated that if we cured all cancers, Scientists have estimated that if we cured all cancers,
83 00:04:40,340 00:04:43,300 that would only extend lifespan by about four years on average, that would only extend lifespan by about four years on average,
84 00:04:43,380 00:04:45,430 because people would get sick from some other disease. because people would get sick from some other disease.
85 00:04:45,510 00:04:48,430 And if we're successful in finding the targets that drive aging And if we're successful in finding the targets that drive aging
86 00:04:48,510 00:04:50,310 and we can slow aging down, and we can slow aging down,
87 00:04:50,390 00:04:52,310 then that's going to affect the rate of disease. then that's going to affect the rate of disease.
88 00:04:52,390 00:04:55,850 If you have a leaky faucet in your house and you want to fix it, If you have a leaky faucet in your house and you want to fix it,
89 00:04:55,940 00:04:58,900 there couple ways to do it. One is you put a bucket under the faucet. there couple ways to do it. One is you put a bucket under the faucet.
90 00:04:58,980 00:05:01,730 You have to empty that bucket every week, and it's just a big hassle. You have to empty that bucket every week, and it's just a big hassle.
91 00:05:01,820 00:05:05,450 On the other hand, if you just go under the sink and you find the part of the pipe On the other hand, if you just go under the sink and you find the part of the pipe
92 00:05:05,530 00:05:07,660 that is leaking and you fix that, that is leaking and you fix that,
93 00:05:07,740 00:05:09,450 that gets rid of your whole issue. that gets rid of your whole issue.
94 00:05:09,530 00:05:11,410 And so what we think about in the aging field And so what we think about in the aging field
95 00:05:11,490 00:05:13,290 is how can we find the core problem is how can we find the core problem
96 00:05:13,370 00:05:16,750 that is actually causing all these downstream pathologies and fix that that is actually causing all these downstream pathologies and fix that
97 00:05:16,830 00:05:20,090 and eliminate the chances of any of them actually occurring in the first place? and eliminate the chances of any of them actually occurring in the first place?
98 00:05:20,590 00:05:23,840 Aging is the result of the biological accumulation Aging is the result of the biological accumulation
99 00:05:23,920 00:05:25,630 of damage in our cells. of damage in our cells.
100 00:05:26,430 00:05:29,600 This damage actually starts before we're born. This damage actually starts before we're born.
101 00:05:30,350 00:05:33,560 Soon after conception, our cells start duplicating Soon after conception, our cells start duplicating
102 00:05:33,640 00:05:36,480 so our tissue can grow and regenerate. so our tissue can grow and regenerate.
103 00:05:36,560 00:05:38,650 As our cells copy themselves, As our cells copy themselves,
104 00:05:38,730 00:05:42,020 they make errors that cause molecular damage. they make errors that cause molecular damage.
105 00:05:43,230 00:05:47,200 For about two decades, we are able to repair those mistakes. For about two decades, we are able to repair those mistakes.
106 00:05:47,530 00:05:49,660 But by the time we are in our 30s, But by the time we are in our 30s,
107 00:05:50,160 00:05:52,450 aging is accelerated. aging is accelerated.
108 00:05:53,410 00:05:56,040 Fighting this process isn't a new idea. Fighting this process isn't a new idea.
109 00:05:56,120 00:05:58,830 We're constantly bombarded with ads for products We're constantly bombarded with ads for products
110 00:05:58,920 00:06:01,090 promising to restore our youth. promising to restore our youth.
111 00:06:01,170 00:06:05,800 The angi-aging industry is now worth 250 billion dollars The angi-aging industry is now worth 250 billion dollars
112 00:06:05,880 00:06:07,090 and growing. and growing.
113 00:06:07,170 00:06:10,550 It's clinically proven to give ten years back to the look of skin. It's clinically proven to give ten years back to the look of skin.
114 00:06:10,640 00:06:12,680 With Olay, you age less. With Olay, you age less.
115 00:06:12,760 00:06:15,100 Visibly younger-looking skin. Youth is timeless. Visibly younger-looking skin. Youth is timeless.
116 00:06:15,640 00:06:17,310 Most of the anti-aging market Most of the anti-aging market
117 00:06:17,390 00:06:21,520 is focused on the symptoms of aging you can see, like wrinkles, is focused on the symptoms of aging you can see, like wrinkles,
118 00:06:21,610 00:06:23,480 and marketed mostly to women. and marketed mostly to women.
119 00:06:23,570 00:06:25,440 Not the wrinkles themselves. Not the wrinkles themselves.
120 00:06:25,530 00:06:29,200 They haven't been scientifically tested to actually change the skin. They haven't been scientifically tested to actually change the skin.
121 00:06:30,030 00:06:31,370 Forget looking younger. Forget looking younger.
122 00:06:31,450 00:06:34,040 Some people have tried to cheat death entirely. Some people have tried to cheat death entirely.
123 00:06:34,160 00:06:37,040 In the 1960s, we came up with cryonics, In the 1960s, we came up with cryonics,
124 00:06:37,120 00:06:39,290 freezing a person as soon as they die freezing a person as soon as they die
125 00:06:39,370 00:06:41,250 with the plan of reviving them in the future, with the plan of reviving them in the future,
126 00:06:41,330 00:06:43,460 once science has figured out how. once science has figured out how.
127 00:06:43,540 00:06:44,920 I think cryonics I think cryonics
128 00:06:45,000 00:06:47,010 takes the human body a little bit too seriously. takes the human body a little bit too seriously.
129 00:06:47,090 00:06:51,890 My inclination is the doubt that simply saving the body My inclination is the doubt that simply saving the body
130 00:06:51,970 00:06:56,850 is going to be enough to make it possible to resurrect a person. is going to be enough to make it possible to resurrect a person.
131 00:06:56,930 00:06:59,890 And in particular, a person who's at all like the person who died. And in particular, a person who's at all like the person who died.
132 00:06:59,980 00:07:03,940 Because that's the other problem if your brain has changed a lot. Because that's the other problem if your brain has changed a lot.
133 00:07:04,020 00:07:07,230 But some people believe there's a solution for that: But some people believe there's a solution for that:
134 00:07:07,320 00:07:11,160 preserving the brain by uploading it to a machine. preserving the brain by uploading it to a machine.
135 00:07:11,240 00:07:14,830 Seems to me rather unlikely that we can load up my consciousness Seems to me rather unlikely that we can load up my consciousness
136 00:07:14,910 00:07:16,370 into a machine. into a machine.
137 00:07:17,200 00:07:21,170 My consciousness, I think, is deeply connected My consciousness, I think, is deeply connected
138 00:07:21,250 00:07:25,090 with its biological existence in my brain. with its biological existence in my brain.
139 00:07:25,170 00:07:28,840 And I assume that what people care about, when they care about continuing, And I assume that what people care about, when they care about continuing,
140 00:07:28,920 00:07:30,760 is continuing as a conscious person. is continuing as a conscious person.
141 00:07:30,840 00:07:33,300 These are ideas to fight death. These are ideas to fight death.
142 00:07:33,390 00:07:36,350 But they don't fight the biological process of aging. But they don't fight the biological process of aging.
143 00:07:36,930 00:07:40,690 Science has mostly accepted that aging is a part of life. Science has mostly accepted that aging is a part of life.
144 00:07:40,770 00:07:43,810 If you look around at different species of animals, If you look around at different species of animals,
145 00:07:43,900 00:07:46,110 what you notice right off the bat is very striking, what you notice right off the bat is very striking,
146 00:07:46,190 00:07:48,030 especially if you have had a dog, especially if you have had a dog,
147 00:07:48,110 00:07:51,950 is that the rate of aging of different species is different. is that the rate of aging of different species is different.
148 00:07:52,030 00:07:53,280 So, a dog... So, a dog...
149 00:07:54,200 00:07:57,990 Has a lifespan that's seven times shorter than ours. Has a lifespan that's seven times shorter than ours.
150 00:07:58,080 00:07:59,870 Aging could just sort of happen, Aging could just sort of happen,
151 00:07:59,950 00:08:03,000 but why does it happen at such a different rate in different species? but why does it happen at such a different rate in different species?
152 00:08:03,420 00:08:07,000 Then in 1961, we found a clue. Then in 1961, we found a clue.
153 00:08:07,090 00:08:10,550 Dr. Leonard Hayflick discovered that many human cells Dr. Leonard Hayflick discovered that many human cells
154 00:08:10,630 00:08:14,010 stopped dividing after about 50 divisions. stopped dividing after about 50 divisions.
155 00:08:14,090 00:08:18,220 It seemed our cells had death programmed into them at birth. It seemed our cells had death programmed into them at birth.
156 00:08:18,760 00:08:20,470 Then, in the 1980s, Then, in the 1980s,
157 00:08:20,560 00:08:22,180 we figured out the cause. we figured out the cause.
158 00:08:22,480 00:08:24,060 The chromosomes in our cells The chromosomes in our cells
159 00:08:24,150 00:08:27,310 had protective caps on them, called telomeres, had protective caps on them, called telomeres,
160 00:08:27,730 00:08:31,490 and with every cell division those caps got shorter. and with every cell division those caps got shorter.
161 00:08:32,030 00:08:35,110 When the telomeres couldn't protect our chromosomes anymore, When the telomeres couldn't protect our chromosomes anymore,
162 00:08:35,490 00:08:37,030 our cells died. our cells died.
163 00:08:37,620 00:08:40,040 The solution to that seems pretty clear. The solution to that seems pretty clear.
164 00:08:40,450 00:08:44,790 We need to engineer our cells so our telomeres don't get too short. We need to engineer our cells so our telomeres don't get too short.
165 00:08:44,870 00:08:46,500 But as it turns out, But as it turns out,
166 00:08:46,830 00:08:49,380 cells like that already exist. cells like that already exist.
167 00:08:49,880 00:08:51,170 Cancer cells. Cancer cells.
168 00:08:51,710 00:08:54,260 Nobody's been able to solve that puzzle yet. Nobody's been able to solve that puzzle yet.
169 00:08:54,880 00:08:56,180 But around the world, But around the world,
170 00:08:56,260 00:09:00,510 a handful of communities seem to have figured out a secret to living long. a handful of communities seem to have figured out a secret to living long.
171 00:09:00,970 00:09:06,310 In this cluster of Sardinian villages, one in six hundred people make it to 100, In this cluster of Sardinian villages, one in six hundred people make it to 100,
172 00:09:06,400 00:09:08,900 six times higher than the national average. six times higher than the national average.
173 00:09:09,360 00:09:14,070 And on the Greek island of Ikaria, one in three people make it to 90, And on the Greek island of Ikaria, one in three people make it to 90,
174 00:09:14,150 00:09:17,620 living nearly a decade longer than mainland Greeks. living nearly a decade longer than mainland Greeks.
175 00:09:17,700 00:09:20,620 All their lifestyles have a lot in common. All their lifestyles have a lot in common.
176 00:09:20,700 00:09:22,330 Daily exercise, Daily exercise,
177 00:09:22,410 00:09:23,950 a rich social life, a rich social life,
178 00:09:24,040 00:09:25,960 and a mostly vegetarian diet, and a mostly vegetarian diet,
179 00:09:26,370 00:09:29,210 washed down with a couple glasses of red wine. washed down with a couple glasses of red wine.
180 00:09:29,540 00:09:32,710 How you live clearly affects how long you live. How you live clearly affects how long you live.
181 00:09:32,800 00:09:35,050 But some things are out of your control, But some things are out of your control,
182 00:09:35,130 00:09:36,550 and we know that and we know that
183 00:09:36,630 00:09:37,970 because of this worm. because of this worm.
184 00:09:38,680 00:09:42,640 The C. elegans worm has an average lifespan of 14 days, The C. elegans worm has an average lifespan of 14 days,
185 00:09:42,720 00:09:45,810 and both of these worms are 13 days old. and both of these worms are 13 days old.
186 00:09:46,140 00:09:49,900 But scientists mutated a gene in the one on the left. But scientists mutated a gene in the one on the left.
187 00:09:49,980 00:09:53,860 It isn't just acting younger, its lifespan doubled. It isn't just acting younger, its lifespan doubled.
188 00:09:53,940 00:09:56,490 It was such a striking result that people didn't believe it, It was such a striking result that people didn't believe it,
189 00:09:56,570 00:09:57,780 when it first came out almost. when it first came out almost.
190 00:09:58,280 00:10:03,290 Scientists had knocked out a gene called DAF-Two that regulates insulin, Scientists had knocked out a gene called DAF-Two that regulates insulin,
191 00:10:03,370 00:10:06,830 which meant the worm absorbed far fewer nutrients. which meant the worm absorbed far fewer nutrients.
192 00:10:06,910 00:10:10,750 We basically tricked the worm's body into thinking it was fasting. We basically tricked the worm's body into thinking it was fasting.
193 00:10:10,840 00:10:13,340 If you eat a meal, the tissues have little doors in them If you eat a meal, the tissues have little doors in them
194 00:10:13,420 00:10:14,590 and they'll take the food in, and they'll take the food in,
195 00:10:14,670 00:10:16,920 but in order to do that, they need the hormone insulin. but in order to do that, they need the hormone insulin.
196 00:10:17,340 00:10:19,090 If you have less insulin, If you have less insulin,
197 00:10:19,390 00:10:22,100 or if you have a receptor for insulin that doesn't work as well, or if you have a receptor for insulin that doesn't work as well,
198 00:10:22,180 00:10:24,640 which is like the DAF-Two mutant receptor, which is like the DAF-Two mutant receptor,
199 00:10:25,310 00:10:28,100 then the animal doesn't think it has enough food. He thinks, "Uh-oh. then the animal doesn't think it has enough food. He thinks, "Uh-oh.
200 00:10:28,190 00:10:31,810 I'm headed for difficult times now. I'm gonna be careful. I'm headed for difficult times now. I'm gonna be careful.
201 00:10:31,900 00:10:35,030 I'm gonna protect my cells, gonna fold my proteins better. I'm gonna protect my cells, gonna fold my proteins better.
202 00:10:35,110 00:10:37,740 I'm gonna make sure my DNA doesn't get damaged." I'm gonna make sure my DNA doesn't get damaged."
203 00:10:37,820 00:10:41,570 So once the cells are in that good taken-care-of state, So once the cells are in that good taken-care-of state,
204 00:10:41,660 00:10:43,490 I think the animal can just live longer. I think the animal can just live longer.
205 00:10:44,540 00:10:48,040 Scientist mutated the same gene in fruit flies Scientist mutated the same gene in fruit flies
206 00:10:48,120 00:10:50,540 and their lifespan nearly doubled. and their lifespan nearly doubled.
207 00:10:51,170 00:10:54,420 In mice, it extended their lives by 50%. In mice, it extended their lives by 50%.
208 00:10:54,840 00:10:57,630 All these organisms not only lived longer, All these organisms not only lived longer,
209 00:10:57,720 00:11:01,140 but they were more resistant to multiple chronic diseases. but they were more resistant to multiple chronic diseases.
210 00:11:01,220 00:11:04,260 If one gene, in one pathway, If one gene, in one pathway,
211 00:11:04,970 00:11:09,560 can modulate the rate of aging, we're in business. can modulate the rate of aging, we're in business.
212 00:11:09,640 00:11:11,940 It changed our field totally. It changed our field totally.
213 00:11:12,020 00:11:14,110 It took us from hope to promise. It took us from hope to promise.
214 00:11:14,480 00:11:18,610 All the people through history who lived to 100 or 110, All the people through history who lived to 100 or 110,
215 00:11:18,690 00:11:22,950 or 120, maybe they had a genetic mutation. or 120, maybe they had a genetic mutation.
216 00:11:23,700 00:11:28,410 After that breakthrough, research on lifespan extension took off. After that breakthrough, research on lifespan extension took off.
217 00:11:28,500 00:11:31,540 Within the next few years, we're gonna add ten to twenty years to life. Within the next few years, we're gonna add ten to twenty years to life.
218 00:11:31,620 00:11:32,920 We know that this is achievable We know that this is achievable
219 00:11:33,000 00:11:36,170 because there are already humans that lived to be past the age of 100. because there are already humans that lived to be past the age of 100.
220 00:11:36,250 00:11:37,710 They're called centenarians. They're called centenarians.
221 00:11:37,800 00:11:39,260 These people aren't just lucky, These people aren't just lucky,
222 00:11:39,340 00:11:40,630 it's genetically controlled, it's genetically controlled,
223 00:11:40,720 00:11:43,800 because their children are also more likely to live past the age of 100. because their children are also more likely to live past the age of 100.
224 00:11:44,180 00:11:47,640 People who live past 100 get sick much later in life People who live past 100 get sick much later in life
225 00:11:47,720 00:11:52,140 and for a shorter period of time than people with a more average lifespan. and for a shorter period of time than people with a more average lifespan.
226 00:11:52,230 00:11:55,860 If we can find out what these secrets are, then we can develop drugs that mimic them If we can find out what these secrets are, then we can develop drugs that mimic them
227 00:11:55,940 00:11:58,230 for the rest of us, so we can all live longer and healthier. for the rest of us, so we can all live longer and healthier.
228 00:11:58,820 00:12:03,780 Investors have started betting serious money on finding what those secrets are, Investors have started betting serious money on finding what those secrets are,
229 00:12:03,860 00:12:04,700 funding a flurry funding a flurry
230 00:12:04,780 00:12:08,370 of new companies focused on the science of longevity. of new companies focused on the science of longevity.
231 00:12:08,450 00:12:10,500 We test different drugs at Insilico, We test different drugs at Insilico,
232 00:12:10,580 00:12:14,540 in order to see how they can change the difference between young and old. in order to see how they can change the difference between young and old.
233 00:12:14,630 00:12:18,420 The goal at Human Longevity INC., is to change the face of aging. The goal at Human Longevity INC., is to change the face of aging.
234 00:12:18,500 00:12:20,260 Elysium is sparking new discoveries Elysium is sparking new discoveries
235 00:12:20,340 00:12:24,130 and bringing the science of living healthier for longer to you. and bringing the science of living healthier for longer to you.
236 00:12:24,930 00:12:27,970 One promising lead with a lot of money behind it? One promising lead with a lot of money behind it?
237 00:12:28,060 00:12:29,310 Senescent cells. Senescent cells.
238 00:12:29,680 00:12:33,230 Sometimes when a cell stops dividing, it doesn't die. Sometimes when a cell stops dividing, it doesn't die.
239 00:12:33,310 00:12:35,690 It keeps sending out chemical signals. It keeps sending out chemical signals.
240 00:12:35,770 00:12:39,730 And these zombie cells build up in our bodies as we age. And these zombie cells build up in our bodies as we age.
241 00:12:40,070 00:12:41,860 Clearing out those cells in mice Clearing out those cells in mice
242 00:12:41,940 00:12:45,030 significantly improved their health and lifespan. significantly improved their health and lifespan.
243 00:12:45,700 00:12:50,540 These startups are racing to create the first proven anti-aging treatment. These startups are racing to create the first proven anti-aging treatment.
244 00:12:50,620 00:12:55,170 But there's a chance they might be beaten by a drug that already exists. But there's a chance they might be beaten by a drug that already exists.
245 00:12:55,620 00:12:57,250 The field of aging has been fascinated The field of aging has been fascinated
246 00:12:57,330 00:12:59,710 by the fact that there are drugs on market today by the fact that there are drugs on market today
247 00:12:59,800 00:13:04,010 which potentially impact human aging that were approved for other diseases. which potentially impact human aging that were approved for other diseases.
248 00:13:04,090 00:13:06,140 And for a lot of people in the field And for a lot of people in the field
249 00:13:06,220 00:13:10,180 the great hope now is the anti-diabetes drug Metformin. the great hope now is the anti-diabetes drug Metformin.
250 00:13:10,890 00:13:16,060 The active ingredient in Metformin comes from the plant Galega Officinalis, The active ingredient in Metformin comes from the plant Galega Officinalis,
251 00:13:16,150 00:13:18,230 also known as Goat's Rue, also known as Goat's Rue,
252 00:13:18,310 00:13:19,440 False Indigo, False Indigo,
253 00:13:19,520 00:13:20,650 Professor-Weed, Professor-Weed,
254 00:13:20,730 00:13:21,940 French Lilac, French Lilac,
255 00:13:22,030 00:13:23,530 Spanish Sainfoin, Spanish Sainfoin,
256 00:13:23,610 00:13:24,950 and Italian Fitch. and Italian Fitch.
257 00:13:25,450 00:13:30,870 One major UK study showed that 78,000 diabetes patients taking Metformin One major UK study showed that 78,000 diabetes patients taking Metformin
258 00:13:30,950 00:13:33,750 lived a little bit longer than non-diabetics. lived a little bit longer than non-diabetics.
259 00:13:34,540 00:13:38,630 People with diabetes who take Metformin compared to other drugs People with diabetes who take Metformin compared to other drugs
260 00:13:38,710 00:13:41,550 have 30% less cardiovascular disease. have 30% less cardiovascular disease.
261 00:13:42,250 00:13:46,340 People with diabetes who are on Metformin have 30% less cancers. People with diabetes who are on Metformin have 30% less cancers.
262 00:13:46,880 00:13:50,390 Remember the worm and how we mutated its DAF-Two gene? Remember the worm and how we mutated its DAF-Two gene?
263 00:13:50,890 00:13:55,180 Metformin actually acts on the human version of that same gene, Metformin actually acts on the human version of that same gene,
264 00:13:55,270 00:13:56,480 regulating insulin. regulating insulin.
265 00:13:56,940 00:14:01,150 And works through other molecular mechanisms we don't totally understand. And works through other molecular mechanisms we don't totally understand.
266 00:14:02,570 00:14:06,280 The US Federal Drug Administration approved a metformin trial The US Federal Drug Administration approved a metformin trial
267 00:14:06,360 00:14:08,990 as a possible treatment for age-related diseases, as a possible treatment for age-related diseases,
268 00:14:09,070 00:14:10,910 not for aging itself, not for aging itself,
269 00:14:10,990 00:14:14,750 because the FDA doesn't recognize aging as something that's treatable. because the FDA doesn't recognize aging as something that's treatable.
270 00:14:14,830 00:14:17,370 But if the results come back positive, But if the results come back positive,
271 00:14:17,660 00:14:22,130 that might change, opening the floodgates for more research. that might change, opening the floodgates for more research.
272 00:14:22,210 00:14:25,800 I'm very optimistic that this is going to be accelerated, I'm very optimistic that this is going to be accelerated,
273 00:14:26,130 00:14:31,140 and that the next decade is really going to be the turning point to target aging. and that the next decade is really going to be the turning point to target aging.
274 00:14:31,220 00:14:33,680 One of the exciting things for me is it could be the case One of the exciting things for me is it could be the case
275 00:14:33,760 00:14:36,560 that none of this translates to humans, that's a possibility. that none of this translates to humans, that's a possibility.
276 00:14:36,640 00:14:39,520 But if any of it works, it changes the paradigm completely. But if any of it works, it changes the paradigm completely.
277 00:14:39,600 00:14:42,440 This is the beginning of a new way to think about medicine. This is the beginning of a new way to think about medicine.
278 00:14:43,070 00:14:47,110 But we may not even want a world where everyone lives to 120. But we may not even want a world where everyone lives to 120.
279 00:14:47,190 00:14:50,280 I've never heard anyone say they want to, like, be the winner, I've never heard anyone say they want to, like, be the winner,
280 00:14:50,360 00:14:54,030 they want to beat the odds and live  longer than anyone ever has lived. they want to beat the odds and live  longer than anyone ever has lived.
281 00:14:54,120 00:14:59,750 It's typically that you want to be able to have good years for as many as you get. It's typically that you want to be able to have good years for as many as you get.
282 00:14:59,830 00:15:02,420 One hundred and twenty? As long as you can be healthy. One hundred and twenty? As long as you can be healthy.
283 00:15:02,500 00:15:03,500 No asthma, No asthma,
284 00:15:04,040 00:15:06,460 no heart trouble, you know, no heart trouble, you know,
285 00:15:06,550 00:15:08,090 and no bad legs. and no bad legs.
286 00:15:08,590 00:15:09,590 That'd be wonderful. That'd be wonderful.
287 00:15:09,680 00:15:11,930 Then it brings up other questions, like, Then it brings up other questions, like,
288 00:15:12,010 00:15:13,890 do I have enough money to survive that way? do I have enough money to survive that way?
289 00:15:13,970 00:15:16,310 Part of aging is you might outlive your money. Part of aging is you might outlive your money.
290 00:15:16,390 00:15:20,390 Why do cells age, why do organisms age, why do organisms age and die? Why do cells age, why do organisms age, why do organisms age and die?
291 00:15:20,810 00:15:24,400 That's a great puzzle to solve. It's a challenging puzzle to solve. That's a great puzzle to solve. It's a challenging puzzle to solve.
292 00:15:24,480 00:15:27,780 But that doesn't mean solving it and getting a therapy for it But that doesn't mean solving it and getting a therapy for it
293 00:15:27,860 00:15:30,900 is gonna be a good thing for planet Earth. is gonna be a good thing for planet Earth.
294 00:15:30,990 00:15:34,910 Centenarians might be healthier than other people in old age, Centenarians might be healthier than other people in old age,
295 00:15:34,990 00:15:36,740 but they're still old. but they're still old.
296 00:15:37,240 00:15:41,120 They're probably not going to work a job, and they'll need some care, They're probably not going to work a job, and they'll need some care,
297 00:15:41,210 00:15:43,000 and that has a cost. and that has a cost.
298 00:15:43,080 00:15:45,090 And these costs are hard to cut back. And these costs are hard to cut back.
299 00:15:45,960 00:15:50,590 Caring for the elderly in many societies is seen as a moral imperative. Caring for the elderly in many societies is seen as a moral imperative.
300 00:15:50,670 00:15:54,180 If you look at countries that have very long life expectancies like Japan, If you look at countries that have very long life expectancies like Japan,
301 00:15:54,260 00:15:56,390 what ends up as you have a lot of old people what ends up as you have a lot of old people
302 00:15:56,470 00:15:58,470 who are very isolated and lonely. who are very isolated and lonely.
303 00:15:58,720 00:16:02,940 And you got frequent reports in Japan of people dying and no one noticing. And you got frequent reports in Japan of people dying and no one noticing.
304 00:16:03,020 00:16:07,480 And we still haven't finished the project we began two centuries ago: And we still haven't finished the project we began two centuries ago:
305 00:16:07,980 00:16:12,030 getting every child to make it to old age in the first place. getting every child to make it to old age in the first place.
306 00:16:12,110 00:16:13,780 Once you're past 75, Once you're past 75,
307 00:16:14,240 00:16:17,740 getting it to 85 or 90 should not be our goal. getting it to 85 or 90 should not be our goal.
308 00:16:17,830 00:16:21,410 What our goal should be is to get everyone to 75. What our goal should be is to get everyone to 75.
309 00:16:22,540 00:16:24,670 If older people live longer, If older people live longer,
310 00:16:24,750 00:16:27,670 the ratio of elderly to the young shifts, the ratio of elderly to the young shifts,
311 00:16:27,750 00:16:29,670 and that changes society. and that changes society.
312 00:16:29,760 00:16:32,880 Studies have shown that when a population becomes more elderly, Studies have shown that when a population becomes more elderly,
313 00:16:33,430 00:16:35,590 countries become less entrepreneurial. countries become less entrepreneurial.
314 00:16:36,090 00:16:41,060 And if a population doesn't die at all, we might stop doing much of anything. And if a population doesn't die at all, we might stop doing much of anything.
315 00:16:41,430 00:16:44,520 As that wonderful Star Trek episode shows, As that wonderful Star Trek episode shows,
316 00:16:44,600 00:16:49,610 you would run out of things that you could possibly think were worth doing you would run out of things that you could possibly think were worth doing
317 00:16:49,690 00:16:51,400 if you had infinite time. if you had infinite time.
318 00:16:51,490 00:16:53,150 There's nothing left to say. There's nothing left to say.
319 00:16:53,860 00:16:55,320 Can't you see, Captain? Can't you see, Captain?
320 00:16:55,740 00:16:59,740 For us, the disease is immortality. For us, the disease is immortality.
321 00:17:00,580 00:17:02,750 The fact that my life has a beginning, a middle, an end The fact that my life has a beginning, a middle, an end
322 00:17:02,830 00:17:07,380 is a really important part of what frames the questions about what I'm doing. is a really important part of what frames the questions about what I'm doing.
323 00:17:07,460 00:17:08,290 In fact... In fact...
324 00:17:09,290 00:17:13,670 Living with limitations is precisely what gives life meaning. Living with limitations is precisely what gives life meaning.
325 00:17:13,760 00:17:17,090 And taking away all challenge makes life completely uninteresting. And taking away all challenge makes life completely uninteresting.
325 00:17:13,760 00:17:17,090 And taking away all challenge makes life completely uninteresting. And taking away all challenge makes life completely uninteresting.