Academy for Health & Lifespan Research

Academy President Dr. Nir Barzilai, a professor of medicine and genetics, recently appeared on Business Insider's "Explainers" series to discuss the use of longevity drugs in dogs and how this research could pave the way for healthier, longer human lives. https://lnkd.in/eEd29zbr

Published in Nature Magazine, the article “Implausibility of radical life extension in humans in the twenty-first century” argues that to extend human life expectancy, we need to focus on preventing diseases by slowing the aging process rather than just treating illnesses after they appear. This shift could be achieved through lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and advancements in Gerotherapeutics. Over the last century, life expectancy increased by about 30 years in high-income countries thanks to public health and medical advances. However, since the 1990s, this progress has slowed. The study found that reaching 100 years of age remains rare, suggesting that unless we significantly slow down biological aging, radical life extension is unlikely to happen this century. https://lnkd.in/gjkDWkS4 #PreventativeMedicine #AgingBiology #HealthyAging #FutureOfAging #RadicalLifeExtension #Gerotherapeutics #PublicHealth #AgingResearch #BiologicalAging

Excited to share the transformative impact of the Time Initiative Fellowship Grant, a program designed to empower individuals dedicated to addressing age-related diseases and shaping a healthier future. Open to undergraduates with diverse goals-whether in research, entrepreneurship, advocacy, or policy--the Fellowship offers comprehensive support, including an all-expenses-paid retreat, exclusive community access, direct mentoring, and more. Backed by the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research, this initiative creates space for young innovators to connect, collaborate, and drive change. Kicking off TIME's new series, 'Moments in TIME: Fellows Shaping the Future of Aging, spotlight's Deniz Yagmur Ürey, whose work on synaptic proteomics, published in Nature, is paving the way for breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research and personalized preventative therapies for age-related diseases. We are excited to see what Deniz will achieve in her next chapter as she continues her PhD at Columbia University!

Congratulations to geroscientist Gary Ruvkun on being a co-recipient of the '2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine' for his groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation! Gary, alongside Victor Ambros, unveiled the revolutionary concept of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression after transcription. Their work, which started with research on C. elegans in 1993, has reshaped our understanding of gene regulation and its importance in animal development and human health. The discovery of microRNA has opened a new dimension of gene regulation and is now recognized as a crucial mechanism for complex multicellular life. This is a monumental achievement in the field of geroscience, and we celebrate Gary Ruvkun's incredible contributions to science and medicine. https://lnkd.in/dh7N-6zj #NobelPrize #Geroscience #GeneRegulation #microRNA #ScientificBreakthrough #Biology #Cellevolution #PostTranscription

AHLR President Nir Barzilai and member Andrea B. Maier had the honor of speaking at the fifth edition of the Longevity Investors Conference. This exclusive 2.5-day event is recognized as the world’s most private investor conference in the longevity field. It brings together top key opinion leaders, institutional and private investors, family offices, and funds to explore the latest trends and opportunities in longevity and rejuvenation. By fostering meaningful conversations, the conference offers invaluable insights into the future of healthy aging and breakthrough innovations.

Academy members David Alison, Rafael de Cabo, and Luigi Ferrucci gathered for dinner to discuss emerging questions surrounding skeletal muscle mass in relation to GLP-1 agonist weight loss drugs and their impact on healthspan and lifespan. The conversation highlighted exciting new research directions, including studies on muscle mass changes and their broader implications for healthy aging. Looking forward to seeing where this critical work leads!

Congratulations to Academy member Cynthia Kenyon on receiving the prestigious Lord Cohen Medal, awarded only 16 times in the past 40 years! Kenyon's groundbreaking 1993 discovery that a single-gene mutation could double the lifespan of C. elegans revolutionized the study of aging. Her research revealed that aging is genetically controlled, with regulatory proteins coordinating gene networks that protect and repair cells. Kenyon’s work uncovered a universal hormone-signaling pathway influencing aging across species, including humans. Her contributions have reshaped our understanding of longevity and aging processes, making her a true pioneer in the field.

Academy for Health and Lifespan Research President, Dr. Nir Barzilai recently sat down with Sophia Hernandez, a Miami, FL reporter and news anchor, to discuss the growing trend of biohacking and its impact on health and longevity. They explored the use of popular techniques like cold plunges, red-light therapy, and peptides, as well as the potential risks of unregulated practices in the movement. President Nir Barzilai stressed the importance of clinical research, cautioning that without scientific validation, many of these methods could be harmful. To learn more about their conversation and the balance between innovation and safety in biohacking, click the link below. https://lnkd.in/eRgBVKQW

We’re reflecting on the insightful presentations from Academy members at ARDD 2024! Here's a recap of their discussions: Andrea B. Maier: Explored longevity in academic settings and shared fascinating clinical case studies. Brian Kennedy: Took us through the latest advancements in the quest for longevity. James Kirkland: Discussed aging, cellular senescence, and the journey toward senolytic therapies. Linda Partridge: Highlighted the potential of geroprotectors through combination drug treatments. Pura Muñoz: Presented exciting research on improving regeneration in aged muscles. Vadim Gladyshev & Steve Horvath: Enjoyed the event while contributing their expertise. John Sedivy: Shared groundbreaking work on treating neurodegenerative disorders with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Rozalyn Anderson: Showed us promising ways to delay aging. It was an inspiring event filled with cutting-edge research and discussions. Thank you to all the brilliant minds who made ARDD 2024 unforgettable! #ARDD2024 #LongevityResearch #AgingScience #Geroscience #HealthyAging #Senolytics #Geroprotectors

Academy member, Prof. Andrea Maier, speaking on findings from the HELO study at the 11th Annual Aging Research & Drug Discovery Meeting in Copenhagen.