Longevity by Design

• Dr. Eric Verdin on the Effects of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Longevity

  In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Eric discusses the science behind therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and its potential to slow biological aging in humans. The conversation explores findings from a recent clinical trial, including measurable age reversal using epigenetic clocks.Eric explains how removing and replacing plasma can dilute pro-aging factors in the blood, a concept inspired by earlier animal studies on parabiosis. He also describes why rigorous, placebo-controlled human trials are crucial for validating longevity interventions and distinguishing the field from hype-driven wellness trends.The episode also highlights how omics data, such as metabolomics and proteomics, are shaping a new era of precision aging research. Eric emphasizes the value of lifestyle interventions as a foundation and sees future opportunities in combining TPE with personalized strategies to extend healthspan.  Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Eric Verdin💡 What they do: President and CEO💡 Company: Buck Institute for Research on Aging💡 Noteworthy: Physician-scientist pioneering human aging research through epigenetics, metabolism, and translational science.💡 Where to find him: LinkedIn Episode highlights:[00:00] Introduction to Longevity and Healthspan[01:07] Meet Dr. Eric Verde: A Pioneer in Aging Research[02:24] Exploring Therapeutic Plasma Exchange[03:08] The Science Behind Heterochronic Parabiosis[07:17] Clinical Trials and Methodologies[12:58] The Role of Omics in Precision Medicine[17:20] Epigenetic Clocks and Aging[22:04] Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Results and Implications[26:22] Exploring Frequency and Efficacy of Treatments[28:23] Biomarkers and Predictive Models[31:33] Safety Profile and Side Effects[33:28] Intrinsic Capacity and Aging Metrics[36:58] Combining Treatments with Lifestyle Changes[44:26] Future Directions and Recommendations[49:08] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWe 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

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• What Happens to Your Body When You Sit All Day, with Dr. Keith Diaz

  In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, to unpack the hidden health risks of prolonged sitting.Keith explains why even daily exercise isn't enough to counteract the effects of sedentary behavior. Drawing on his lab's findings, he shares a simple but powerful prescription: five minutes of light walking every hour. That small change can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and reduce fatigue, without needing to break a sweat.The conversation also explores how modern work and home environments are built around sitting, and what it takes to build smarter habits. From treadmill desks to family walks, Keith offers practical strategies that make movement part of everyday life. Whether you're an employer, a clinician, or just desk-bound, this episode helps you rethink how you move through your day. Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Keith Diaz💡 What they do: Associate Professor💡 Company: Columbia University Irving Medical Center💡 Noteworthy: Leading researcher on sedentary behavior, cardiovascular health, and wearable tech in clinical care.💡 Where to find them:LinkedIn Episode highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction: The Evolution of Television Viewing Habits[00:00:23] Welcome to Longevity By Design[00:00:33] Introducing Dr. Ki Diaz[00:02:14] The Impact of Sedentary Behavior[00:04:23] The Physiology of Sitting[00:09:59] Exercise vs. Sedentary Lifestyle[00:16:56] Movement Breaks: How Short is Beneficial?[00:27:45] The Role of Wearable Devices[00:31:51] Integrating Movement into Daily Routines[00:33:34] Behavioral Changes and Personal Strategies[00:34:55] The Benefits of Movement Breaks at Work[00:37:26] Wearables and Their Impact on Health[00:40:16] Clinicians' Role in Promoting Movement[00:43:09] Tailoring Movement to Individual Lifestyles[00:47:28] Incentives for Employers and Insurers[00:52:46] Personal Movement Hacks and Daily Routines[00:58:16] Future Research and Final ThoughtsWe 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

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• Acetylation Insights: Unlocking Longevity Secrets with Dr. Haim Cohen

  In this episode, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Haim Cohen to Longevity by Design to explore his revolutionary approach to understanding aging. Haim's team analyzed acetylation sites across 107 mammalian species, creating its most extensive comparative study. This computational approach revealed specific post-translational modifications that evolved exclusively in long-lived animals.The research identifies critical pathways where evolution engineered longevity solutions. These acetylation changes affect DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and mitochondrial function. Unlike traditional aging research focusing on single pathways like mTOR or caloric restriction, Haim's unbiased screening simultaneously reveals multiple longevity targets. Evolution provided a natural laboratory for testing anti-aging modifications over millions of years.The findings offer exciting therapeutic possibilities for human longevity. Haim's team is now creating transgenic mice to test whether mimicking these evolutionary changes can extend lifespan in the lab. This research suggests humans could potentially "accelerate evolution" by implementing modifications that nature has already proven effective in whales, elephants, and other long-lived species. Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Haim Cohen 💡 What they do: Professor of Molecular Genetics focused on the biology of aging 💡 Institution(s): Bar-Ilan University (Israel); Founder & Director, Minerva Israel-Germany Center forBiological Mechanisms of Aging; Founder & Director, Sagol Center for Human Health and Longevity 💡 Noteworthy: Global leader in aging research; author of 75+ peer-reviewed papers, including work showing SIRT6 over-expression can extend mouse lifespan by ~30 percent 💡 Where to find them: Bar-Ilan University faculty page   Episode highlights:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:00] Dr. Haim Cohen background and SIRT6 research update[00:05:50] Gender-specific effects in aging research[00:07:40] Introduction to the groundbreaking Nature paper on acetylation[00:08:30] What is acetylation and why study it[00:11:40] Study design across 107 mammalian species[00:15:00] Using evolution as a research laboratory[00:19:00] Key findings and statistical approach[00:28:00] Validating specific proteins - CBS and hydrogen sulfide[00:31:30] Mitochondrial acetylation and metabolism[00:34:10] DNA repair pathways and the Peto Paradox[00:35:00] Cancer prevention mechanisms in large animals[00:38:30] P53 tumor suppressor conservation[00:40:50] Cat family longevity anomaly[00:42:10] Therapeutic implications and drug development[00:45:00] Targeting proteins versus modifications[00:47:40] Study limitations and future validation[00:49:20] Comparing effects to existing longevity interventions[00:51:00] Implications for human longevity[00:55:00] Dr. Cohen's top tip for longevityWe 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

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• Karl Pfleger Explains the Aging Biotech Explosion

  On this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Karl Pfleger, aging biotechnology investor and creator of AgingBiotech.info, to dissect the rapidly evolving field of aging therapeutics. Karl breaks down the sector into two main categories: interventions that slow aging rates versus rejuvenation strategies that repair accumulated damage.Karl highlights the most promising areas in his investment portfolio, including senolytics for clearing senescent cells and epigenetic reprogramming technologies. He explains why current aging clocks aren't ready for clinical use and discusses the limitations of popular interventions like GLP-1 drugs and fasting protocols. The conversation reveals that 14 Phase 3 clinical trials are currently testing core aging therapeutics.The discussion covers recent FDA approvals for ATTR treatments and stem cell therapies, signaling the field's maturation. Karl emphasizes that meaningful life extension requires a "divide and conquer" strategy, targeting multiple aging mechanisms simultaneously rather than relying on single interventions. Despite exciting therapeutic developments, he maintains that optimizing diet, exercise, and sleep remains the most impactful strategy for extending healthspan today.Guest-at-a-Glance💡 Name: Dr. Karl Pfleger💡 What they do: Angel investor, philanthropist, and advocate in aging and longevity biotechnology💡 Institution(s): Creator and maintainer of AgingBiotech.info (comprehensive public database of 400+ aging companies)💡 Noteworthy: Exclusively invests in aging/longevity sector with 15+ portfolio companies targeting damage repair approaches💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn | AgingBiotech.info | X (Twitter)Episode highlights:00:00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 Drugs and Their Impact00:00:56 Meet Dr. Karl Pfleger: A Pioneer in Aging and Longevity00:02:50 Karl Pfleger's Journey from Tech to Aging Biology00:05:18 The Current State of Longevity Biotech00:09:47 Exciting Developments in Rejuvenation Biotechnology00:24:17 Aging Biotech Info: A Comprehensive Resource00:31:59 Future Plans for Aging Biotech Info00:36:51 The Obesity Revolution: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists00:40:29 Global Obesity Rates and GLP-1 Drugs00:40:43 Potential Benefits and Limitations of GLP-1 Drugs00:42:13 Muscle Atrophy and Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs00:44:12 Emerging Muscle Aging Treatments00:46:10 Biotech Companies and Obesity Programs00:46:53 Public vs. Private Biotech Companies00:49:12 Fasting and Calorie Restriction00:55:20 Blood Transfusions and Parabiosis00:58:09 Metformin and N-of-1 Experiments00:59:13 Comprehensive Aging Interventions01:03:54 Diagnostics and Aging Clocks01:13:49 Future of Aging Interventions01:16:07 Top Tips for Health and LongevityWe 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

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• How to Extend Your Healthspan with Dr. Eric Topol

  Gil and Eric discuss Eric’s book, Super Agers, and the inspiration behind it: a 98-year-old patient who exemplified healthy aging. They explore the five dimensions of healthspan optimization: lifestyle, omics, the immune system, and the role of data and AI in personalized medicine. Eric highlights how AI can analyze multi-layered data to provide personalized recommendations for preventing age-related diseases.The conversation also explores the importance of exercise, sleep, and social connection for healthy aging, as well as the risks associated with high-dose statins. Eric emphasizes the need for a shift towards preventative care, using data and AI to identify and address individual risks. He stresses the power of lifestyle changes, rather than supplements, in improving long-term health outcomes.  Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Dr. Eric Topol 💡What they do: Founder and Director 💡Company: Scripps Research Translational Institute💡Noteworthy: Genomics pioneer, digital medicine innovator, and preventative care advocate    Episode highlights:[00:00] The Impact of Social Isolation on Health[01:19] Meet Dr. Eric Topol: A Pioneer in Medicine[03:16] Dr. Topol's Personal Journey into Medicine[05:31] The Early Days of Genetic Therapy[07:54] Insights from Dr. Topol's Book: Super Agile[13:02] The Role of Genetics in Longevity[14:22] The Five Dimensions of Healthspan[20:08] The Power of Exercise and Diet[23:58] The Truth About Supplements[32:38] The Importance of Sleep[36:07] The Value of Social Relationships[38:02] The Benefits of Nature and Social Interaction[39:17] Exploring Longevity Drugs: Metformin and Rapamycin[40:10] Risks and Benefits of Longevity Treatments[41:56] The Potential of GLP-1 Drugs[46:41] Statins and Their Impact on Health[51:11] Emerging Cancer Detection Technologies[56:15] The Role of AI and Polygenic Scores in Healthcare[57:36] Preventing Alzheimer's Disease[01:01:14] The Future of Longevity and HealthspanWe 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

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