Welcome to Alternatively Speaking, a KCSA Podcast Labs production. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. 

Today, we sat down with Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Human Aging Research and of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. 

Dr. Barzilai discovered the first “longevity gene” in humans. His research established that the gene variant that leads to high HDL, or “good cholesterol,” is linked to healthy aging and extreme longevity. Dr. Barzilai has been profiled by major outlets, including The New York Times, PBS’ “NOVA scienceNow” and National Geographic.

Treatments for age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes are being developed based on Dr. Barzilai’s work and are currently in clinical trials. In addition to his “longevity gene” research, Dr. Barzilai studies key mechanisms involved in the biology of aging, including how nutrients and genetics influence lifespan. He is also investigating the physical and mental declines associated with aging and how they affect longevity. Dr. Barzilai is a professor of medicine (endocrinology) and of genetics, a member of the Diabetes Research Center, and director of the Diabetes Research and Training Center’s Animal Physiology core.

Podcast Highlights:

1. Introduction & Dr. Nir Barzilai’s Groundbreaking Discovery (00:00 – 03:15): Overview of Dr. Nir Barzilai’s discovery of the first “longevity gene” in humans and its link to healthy aging. Discussion on the significance of high HDL cholesterol and how it relates to extreme longevity.
2. The Science Behind Longevity Genes (03:16 – 08:32): Dive into the specific genetic markers that contribute to longevity. Dr. Barzilai shares insights on the mechanisms of aging and the potential to delay or reverse age-related diseases.
3. Current Clinical Trials on Age-Related Diseases (08:33 – 12:10): An exploration of the treatments for type 2 diabetes and other age-related conditions that are being developed from Dr. Barzilai’s research, with an update on the progress of these clinical trials.
4. Nutritional and Genetic Influence on Lifespan (12:11 – 17:48): How both genetics and nutrition shape our healthspan and longevity. Dr. Barzilai explains the latest findings on how diet can influence aging and the role of genetics in extending life.
5. Mental and Physical Decline in Aging (17:49 – 21:22): Discussion on the common declines in physical and mental health with aging, and how they impact longevity. Dr. Barzilai talks about ongoing research into mitigating these declines.
6. Future of Longevity Research (21:23 – 26:55): Dr. Barzilai shares his vision for the future of aging research, focusing on potential br

Social Media:

• @NirBarzilaiMD: https://x.com/nirbarzilaimd?lang=en 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-barzilai-7a86a7212/ 

Other Links/Mentions/Resources:

• Age Later by Nir Barzilai, M.D. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230867/agelater 
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine https://einsteinmed.edu/faculty/484/nir-barzilai 
• American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) https://www.afar.org/
• Aging is a Treatable Condition – Worth.com
• The 4 most promising anti-aging drugs investors are sleeping on, according to a leading longevity researcher – Business Insider
• What is your Biological Age? – The New York Times

Show Credits:

This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications. 

Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas.

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