Live Long and Master Aging

Timothy Lu - Synthetic biology to reprogram life

January 22, 2019 Peter Bowes Episode 88
Live Long and Master Aging
Timothy Lu - Synthetic biology to reprogram life
Show Notes Chapter Markers

What if we could screen the body for early signs of disease by swallowing a tiny capsule, packed with futuristic diagnostic tools? Prof. Timothy Lu, a synthetic biologist at MIT, draws on his combined expertise in computer programming, electrical engineering, and microbiology, to envision as an entirely new way of practicing preventative medicine. The idea is that capsules packed with tiny electronics and genetically engineered living cells will eventually be used to spot health problems from inside the gut. Early signs of cancer could be detected without the need for a colonoscopy. In this LLAMA podcast interview with Peter Bowes, recorded at TEDMED, Prof. Lu explains the principles of synthetic biology and why he believes it could help us all live healthier, longer lives.

In this interview we explore:

  • What is synthetic biology and how could it help us live better?
  • Should we be concerned about “synthetic” biology?
  • A new set of diagnostic tools.
  • How can human cells do mathematics? 
  • Re-wiring the human body, and what that means.
  • Preventing and treating disease by swallowing a capsule.
  • Detecting early signs of disease
  • Engineering the human microbiome.
  • Sequencing the bacteria that live inside us and figuring out why they impact us “profound" ways.
  • What are the drugs of the future and how will they help us? 
  • New strategies to extend health spans.
  • Is precision medicine worth the money?
  • Developing sensors and memory devices that sit inside the brain.

DoNotAge

DoNotAge.org
is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.org
Use the code LLAMA at checkout
-

FlexBeam red light therapy

Recharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners a discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging. Discounts vary - see details of the current offer here
-

Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast
Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the Show.

The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.

(Cont.) Timothy Lu - Synthetic biology to reprogram life