Why do some people age faster than others? That question has intrigued scientists for centuries as they try to unravel the mysteries of longevity. This episode of the Princeton Pulse Podcast highlights breakthroughs in genetics, molecular biology, and genomics that are helping researchers understand the biological process of aging and, in turn, how we can not only live longer, but also healthier. 

Host Heather Howard, a professor at Princeton University and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, is joined by two guests: Professor Coleen Murphy, director of Princeton’s Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, whose work explores the molecular underpinning of longevity and age-associated diseases; and  Professor Jeremy Berg from the University of Pittsburgh, who formerly served as editor-in-chief of Science magazine and director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. 

The panel discusses how scientific research could hold the key to longevity. They explain how studying worms and other organisms may lead to discoveries that improve women’s reproductive health, slow down cognitive aging, and prevent or manage certain chronic and degenerative disorders. They also underscore the impact of federal research funding on this important work.

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Learn more about Coleen Murphy’s research on the process of aging: Coleen Murphy | Lewis-Sigler Institute 

Learn more about Jeremy Berg’s current research at University of Pittsburgh: Jeremy M. Berg, PhD - Department of Computational and Systems Biology

The Princeton Pulse Podcast is a production of Princeton University's Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHW). The show is hosted by Heather Howard, a professor at Princeton University and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, produced by Aimee Bronfeld, and edited by Alex Brownstein. You can subscribe to The Princeton Pulse Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.