Is Aging a Disease? Epigenetics with David Sinclair & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Is aging a disease that can be cured? Neil deGrasse Tyson and cohosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly discover the field of epigenetics, the Information Theory of Aging, and curing blindness for mice with Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, David Sinclair.

What is epigenetics? Discover the difference between genetics and epigenetics. We discuss whether aging is a disease and if there have been any changes in aging throughout the centuries. David breaks down the information theory of aging and how epigenetic inheritance works. Plus, Chuck tells us about some of the studies he’s reading and how behaviors during your lifetime can be epigenetically passed onto your children.

Could we someday cure death? What does aging look like in the broader animal kingdom? We look at aging from an evolutionary standpoint, restoring vision in blind mice, and what the length of your telomeres tells you. We break down conflicting information regarding diet and how to not just live longer but live younger, longer. What are the genes that control aging?

We break down what anti-aging medicine would look like and whether it would be affordable for everyday people. Learn about the world's oldest mice with the youngest eyes. We discuss the Yamanaka genes and how they can be utilized to turn back time on a cellular level. Is DNA destiny?

Thanks to our Patrons Jason L, Daniel Holzmann, Anne P Vance, Unknown, Myles G Blanton, Paul A. Straus, and Gregory Dees for supporting us this week.

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00:00 - Introduction - David Sinclair
02:28 - What Are Epigenetics?
5:03 - Is Aging A Disease?
7:33 - Information Theory of Aging
9:31 - Epigenetic Inheritance
15:23 - Do Some People Age Differently?
16:56 - Could We Never Die?
21:13 - Is DNA Our Destiny?
22:23 - Aging in the Animal Kingdom
24:30 - Curing Blindness
27:29 - Telomere Length, OSK Therapy, & The Hallmarks of Aging
30:35 - StarTalk Patreon
32:18 - Can You Cure Aging?
34:25 - Neil Wants Immortal Mice
36:58 - Using AI for Gene Therapy
38:17 - NAD & Yamanaka Genes
40:48 - Biological Stress & Lifestyle Effects on Aging
45:23 - Closing Thoughts

[spokehamilton]

My telomeres have shortened just having to wait through all these commercials.

[edwardyork]

This the best show seeing Chuck out there showing how great his questions really are. Great job Chuck!

[mollymcguire]

My grandfather's 93, in perfect health. Treated his body as a temple, truly. He ran at least 4 miles a day until he was about 84 years old. We joke that he'll out live the family but we're starting to think he just may!

[richardkrent]

I’m 70 and my goal is to live to at least 1, 000! Now I’m thinking that is still too short! Please continue your research and share it with the world so we can learn more and experience more while exploring our universe! Thanks for all you do!

[jamesopio]

Chuck prepared for this podcast, meanwhile my astrophysicist was swimming in unfamiliar waters. 😂

[allensanders]

I'm 65 and I want to volunteer at his lab he can experiment on me, we'll see how well it works I'd love to be 40 or even 50 again.

[Adam-nwvy]

Glad to see David Sinclair after a long time. I've been following him since 2016 and been a huge fan. Unfortunately, there have been a few controversies surrounding his work recently. Also, there's a doctor from New Zealand called Brad Stanfield who regularly criticizes him with seemingly well-researched and balanced takes. Would be great if Dr Sinclair could dedicate sometime to address the issues raised by Dr Stanfield, particularly when it comes to NMN.

[Antispor]

Chuck Nice is so underrated. Love him so much lol

[riskninja]

One of my fav interviews so far! Your guest was fascinating to listen to!

[jaimepoliveira]

The first thing that came to mind is that this could be great for interstellar travel. Extend life for long journeys outside our Solar System, rather than trying to travel at the speed of light, missing opportunities for great research along the way. On Earth, the average of 90 years is enough for many who have no interest in space travel, but for those who dream of getting to know the universe, they need more time to at least travel within our galaxy.
Jaime P Oliveira

[travishalvorson]

I actually talked to David 10 years ago. Really nice guy. Said at the time, he couldn't recommend any supplements to take, because nothing was proven. I was taken back by how open he was just to talk to the general public and his honesty about his own research and his realistic approach

[kasamukabirudawa]

Great talk to listen to in my 41st birthday. Best birthday gift ever. This gives me hope I can still rejuvenate 😊

[JJs_playground]

Im blown away by Chuck's level of knowledge on this subject.

[Shat_Tastic]

I cant believe they got Sinclair on here :) been follow him from the time i went blind in one eye. Nerve damage sucks lol

[tyroneu]

Outstanding video, very interesting. I think there is no doubt that the biological aging process thing will be figured out, hopefully soon

[jessejorgensen]

Extending life is the only thing that will ever get us off this rock

[snowbear]

I really enjoyed this podcast. This topic is so fascinating! Please do more of these. Thank you

[davidderidder]

Truly brilliant interview, historic. I am following this field and the work of Dr. Sinclair for years but this was a very good interview with very pointed answers and questions. And the moments of light humour, well that was just splendid. Compliments Startalk! I will support you.

[Rob-egqc]

Both of my parents are nearly 100 years old and are still in rather good health, their parents lived will into their 90s too. I and my 2 sisters are into our 60s with no health issues, maybe just lucky, but personally I also think it has something to do with your genes past down from your parents, having 1 balanced meal a day gives your body a chance to repair itself rather than spending most of its time digesting food, I'm not to sure, but I definitely think genes play an important role in longer life, great show, all the best from the UK.

[-Mohog]

Quite amazing. This is also interesting regarding space traveling. If we can increase our lifespan significantly, we don't have to worry about the distances and time it takes to travel from one place to another quite as much then anymore and it would make it possible to make longer trips even if we won't discover some new amazing way to travel significantly faster. Although the distances in space are so vast the lifespan increase should also be quite immense. But at least in our Solar System and perhaps even enabling us to travel to Proxima Centauri and back within a human lifetime could become more of a reality. Perhaps even a few other closest star systems. Very intriguing interview and information.