Logo
    Search

    Can we stop aging?

    enMay 15, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the quest for a long and healthy lifeProgressive Insurance offers average savings of $744 for new customers, while research continues to explore scientific ways to extend life and promote health.

      There's ongoing research and exploration into extending life and youth, with various approaches being explored, such as scientific discoveries and supplements. Progressive Insurance offers potential savings for those looking to multitask and save money on insurance. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood advocates for access to essential sexual and reproductive care for future generations. The Science Versus podcast delves into the scientific aspects of living longer and healthier lives, with a recent episode focusing on the possibility of achieving eternal youth. Throughout history, the quest for the fountain of youth has captivated many, and current research continues to explore this idea. Progressive Insurance offers an average savings of $744 for new customers, while the pursuit of a long and healthy life through scientific discoveries and supplements remains a popular topic. Supporting causes like Planned Parenthood and staying informed about scientific advancements can help make a difference in our lives and the lives of future generations.

    • The Search for Anti-Aging Methods: Fact vs. FictionApproach anti-aging methods and longevity research with a critical and scientifically informed perspective, separating fact from fiction and relying on credible sources of information.

      The pursuit of longevity and anti-aging methods continues to intrigue scientists and the public alike. Some people claim to have found success with supplements like NAD, which they believe have given them more energy and improved their physical appearance. The excitement around potential breakthroughs in aging research, such as the development of a blockbuster drug for diabetes that could fight aging, is palpable. However, it's important to remember that while these discoveries hold promise, they should be approached with a critical and scientifically informed perspective. For instance, the idea of transfusing young blood into older individuals to rejuvenate them might seem like science fiction, but it's an area of research that has been explored for decades. While some experiments have shown promising results in animals, the ethical and practical implications of such a procedure in humans are complex and not yet fully understood. Therefore, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and rely on credible sources of information when evaluating anti-aging methods and longevity research.

    • Exploring the effects of young blood on aging through parabiosis procedurePreliminary results from parabiosis procedure on old and young mice indicate potential health improvements for older mice, including faster anesthesia recovery and increased grip strength.

      Researchers are exploring the potential of a procedure called parabiosis, where they join the circulatory systems of old and young mice to study the effects of young blood on aging. The procedure involves surgically joining the mice, aligning their blood vessels, and allowing them to share blood for several weeks. Remarkably, the mice seem to tolerate the procedure well, and within a few weeks, they are back to their normal activities. Preliminary results suggest that old mice who receive young blood show signs of improved health, such as quicker recovery from anesthesia and increased grip strength. These findings could lead to new insights into the biological processes of aging and potential interventions to slow down the aging process.

    • Young blood from young mice improves aging in old miceScientists found that old mice given young blood have improved muscle, leanness, and longevity due to the young immune system eliminating senescent cells and potential hormones promoting muscle and neuron growth. Human studies are ongoing, but benefits for Alzheimer's patients are suggested.

      Scientists have discovered that old mice given young blood have increased muscle, leanness, and longevity. This is due to the young immune system in the blood, which eliminates senescent cells that cause inflammation and aging. Young blood may also contain hormones that promote muscle and neuron growth. However, it's unclear if diluting the aging factors in old blood is a contributing factor. While human studies are ongoing, it's uncertain if regular blood transfusions from young donors would have the same effect as the conjoined mice's long-term blood sharing. Preliminary human studies suggest potential benefits for Alzheimer's patients, but further research is needed.

    • Exploring the Potential Benefits and Risks of NAD BoostersNAD boosters, supplements meant to increase NAD levels, are controversial due to debated efficacy and safety. NAD is a crucial cofactor for DNA repair and various bodily functions. While some see it as a game changer, others caution against potential dangers.

      NAD boosters, which are supplements that aim to increase the levels of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) in the body, have gained popularity due to claims of their potential benefits in promoting longevity and overall health. NAD is a cofactor that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including DNA repair. However, the scientific consensus on their efficacy and safety is still debated among experts. Some argue that they could be dangerous, while others consider them a game changer. Despite the ongoing debates, NAD boosters have gained widespread attention, with influencers, scientists, and even reality TV personalities endorsing their use. To better understand the potential benefits and risks of NAD boosters, it's essential to explore the science behind NAD and the evidence supporting their use.

    • NAD's Role in Aging and Health IssuesAs we age, NAD levels decline, leading to an increased demand for it to repair damage and fight inflammation. NAD boosting supplements like NR and NMN have gained popularity, but their effectiveness and safety are still being researched, and potential unintended consequences exist.

      NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a vital molecule that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including DNA repair, energy production, and stress response. However, as we age, our NAD levels decline, leading to an increased demand for it to repair damage and fight inflammation. This decline has been linked to several age-related health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, cognitive decline, muscle loss, and hearing loss. To combat this, people have turned to NAD boosting supplements, such as NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), which the body converts into NAD. However, the research on these supplements' effectiveness and safety is still limited, and some early studies suggest that they might have unintended consequences, such as increasing the production of certain enzymes that could potentially increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, while the idea of boosting NAD levels to improve health is appealing, it's essential to approach it with caution and consult a healthcare professional before trying these supplements.

    • Metformin: A Promising Longevity Drug?Metformin, a drug used for diabetes treatment, shows potential as a longevity drug due to its ability to increase lifespan, reduce cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline risks in humans and mice.

      While NAD boosters are gaining popularity as potential anti-aging supplements, it's too early to tell if they are safe or effective. Instead, metformin, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, is showing promising signs as a potential longevity drug. Research suggests that metformin can help people with diabetes live longer, and it may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Metformin has a long history of use, dating back to its use as a traditional remedy for various ailments. Recent studies in mice have also shown that metformin can reduce inflammation and boost antioxidants, which could improve overall health. While more research is needed, metformin may be a more promising option for those seeking to extend their healthy lifespan.

    • Effects of Metformin on aging in non-diabeticsWhile some studies suggest Metformin may extend lifespan for non-diabetics, more research is needed. Focus on healthy diet and exercise for proven longevity benefits.

      While there is evidence suggesting that non-diabetics could potentially benefit from taking Metformin and live longer, the findings are not consistent across all studies. Some research indicates that Metformin does not extend lifespan for people without diabetes. However, Metformin is an FDA-approved drug, and it's generally considered safe, with some potential side effects. The most definitive answer about its effects on aging in non-diabetics will come from future randomized controlled trials. In the meantime, focusing on a healthy diet and regular exercise, as proven to contribute to longer and healthier lives, remains a reliable approach.

    • Living Longer with Positive Lifestyle ChoicesRegular exercise, healthy diet, stress management, addressing health issues like hearing loss, quitting smoking before 35, and social connections can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Using hearing aids can reduce the risk of death by 24%.

      Making positive lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to living a longer, healthier life. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, effective stress management, and addressing health issues like hearing loss. For example, studies have shown that regular use of hearing aids can reduce the risk of death by 24%. Additionally, quitting smoking before the age of 35 can add around 7 years to one's life. Stress management and social connections are also essential, as they have been linked to longevity. Although it may seem daunting, incorporating these habits into your daily routine can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. For more information, check out the episode's transcript for a comprehensive list of citations. And don't forget to tune in for Science Versus' upcoming episode on fasting, another proven longevity booster.

    Recent Episodes from Unexplainable

    We still don’t really know how inflation works

    We still don’t really know how inflation works
    Inflation is one of the most significant issues shaping the 2024 election. But how much can we actually do to control it? For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by becoming a Vox Member today: vox.com/members Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enJune 26, 2024

    Can you put a price on nature?

    Can you put a price on nature?
    It’s hard to figure out the economic value of a wild bat or any other part of the natural world, but some scientists argue that this kind of calculation could help protect our environment. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by becoming a Vox Member today: vox.com/members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enJune 19, 2024

    The deepest spot in the ocean

    The deepest spot in the ocean
    Seventy-five percent of the seafloor remains unmapped and unexplored, but the first few glimpses scientists have gotten of the ocean’s depths have completely revolutionized our understanding of the planet. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enJune 12, 2024

    What’s the tallest mountain in the world?

    What’s the tallest mountain in the world?
    If you just stood up and shouted, “It’s Mount Everest, duh!” then take a seat. Not only is Everest’s official height constantly changing, but three other mountains might actually be king of the hill. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enJune 05, 2024

    Did trees kill the world?

    Did trees kill the world?
    Way back when forests first evolved on Earth … they might have triggered one of the biggest mass extinctions in the history of the planet. What can we learn from this ancient climate apocalypse? For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by becoming a Vox Member today: vox.com/members Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enMay 22, 2024

    Can we stop aging?

    Can we stop aging?
    From blood transfusions to enzyme boosters, our friends at Science Vs dive into the latest research on the search for the fountain of youth. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Unexplainable
    enMay 15, 2024

    Who's the daddy? There isn't one.

    Who's the daddy? There isn't one.
    A snake. A ray. A shark. They each got pregnant with no male involved. In fact, scientists are finding more and more species that can reproduce on their own. What’s going on? For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Itch hunt

    Itch hunt
    Itch used to be understood as a mild form of pain, but scientists are learning this sense is more than just skin deep. How deep does it go? For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How did Earth get its water?

    How did Earth get its water?
    Life as we know it needs water, but scientists can’t figure out where Earth’s water came from. Answering that question is just one piece of an even bigger mystery: “Why are we here?” (Updated from 2023) For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable Vox is also currently running a series called Home Planet, which is all about celebrating Earth in the face of climate change: vox.com/homeplanet And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: vox.com/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Is Earth alive?

    Is Earth alive?
    A cell is alive. So is a leaf and so is a tree. But what about the forest they’re a part of? Is that forest alive? And what about the planet that forest grows on? Is Earth alive? Science writer Ferris Jabr says: Yes. For show transcripts, go to bit.ly/unx-transcripts For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable Vox is also currently running a series called Home Planet, which is all about celebrating Earth in the face of climate change: http://vox.com/homeplanet And please email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts Please take a second to help us learn more about you! vox.com/podcastsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices