Longevity by Design
Longevity by Design is your go-to podcast for unlocking the secrets to a longer, healthier life. Hosted by Dr. Gil Blander, a renowned scientist and entrepreneur in the fields of aging, nutrition, and personalized health, this show dives into cutting-edge research and practical strategies for optimizing your healthspan and lifespan.
In each episode, Dr. Blander sits down with leading longevity and health scientists to explore how we can live better, longer lives. From unpacking complex scientific concepts to sharing the latest advancements in aging research, Longevity by Design offers science-backed insights and actionable advice to help you add years to your life—and life to your years.
Dr. Blander is the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of InsideTracker, a healthspan company that leverages blood tests, DNA analysis, fitness tracker data, and other biomarkers to deliver personalized health recommendations. With a Ph.D. in biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science and postdoctoral research at MIT, Dr. Blander brings decades of expertise and passion to every conversation.
Tune in to Longevity by Design and discover how to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.
Longevity by Design
The Science, Evolution, and Future of Lifespan and Healthspan with Dr. Michael Ringel
On this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander speaks with Dr. Michael Ringel, COO of Life Biosciences, about the science of aging and longevity. Michael discusses how evolution influences lifespan and why aging occurs. He explains the trade-off between resource allocation for reproduction versus maintenance and repair within the body. Caloric restriction and its effects on lifespan are explored through an evolutionary lens.
Michael highlights the challenges and breakthroughs in longevity research. He touches upon the role of genetics and pharmaceuticals in manipulating lifespan and healthspan. He points to the Pacific rockfish as an example of varying lifespans within a closely related group of species, demonstrating the genetic component of aging. He also notes the impact of Cell reprogramming, referencing a study on how specific Cell reprogramming can regenerate optic nerves.
The conversation shifts to the business of longevity, where Michael discusses the increased interest and investments from big pharma and billionaires. He examines the economic benefits of extending healthspan, citing a potential value of $300 trillion from a 10-year healthspan extension in the US alone. Michael and Gil also explore the importance of lifestyle choices for healthy aging, emphasizing diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social connections.
Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Dr. Michael Ringel
💡What they do: COO
💡Company: Life Biosciences
💡Noteworthy: Biotechnology COO bridging science and business for longevity breakthroughs.
💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn
Episode highlights:
[00:00:56] Meet Dr. Michael Ringel
[00:02:30] Journey to Becoming a Scientist
[00:04:26] Interest in Longevity and Aging
[00:07:59] Evolution and Aging
[00:21:04] Caloric Restriction and Lifespan
[00:25:07] InsideTracker: Personalized Healthspan Optimization
[00:26:02] Pharma's Role in Aging Research
[00:37:32] Understanding Causality in Medical Research
[00:38:09] Challenges of Observational Studies
[00:39:40] Experimental Studies and the TAME Trial
[00:40:21] Pharmaceutical Incentives and Metformin
[00:40:56] Exploring Rapalogs and Patent Issues
[00:43:39] Hallmarks of Aging and Future Prospects
[00:45:59] Investment in Aging Research
[00:52:35] Economic and Social Impacts of Longevity
[01:02:30] Practical Tips for Extending Lifespan
For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast
