Humans have long sought the fountain of youth, and recently scientists have explored the biological basis of aging and potential strategies to reverse the process. Along with groundbreaking discoveries that have enabled extending the lifespan of model organisms, the anti-aging movement has spurred an entire industry focused on stopping the biological clock. In today's episode of Beyond the Abstract, Derek and Dan discuss recent studies about the aging process and debate the promises and pitfalls of this fast-moving field.

This episode is sponsored by Proteintech Group, a company that creates reagents for the biomedical sciences so scientists can conduct groundbreaking science. Visit them at www.ptglab.com to find out more.

The information presented here is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any questions regarding your personal health.

Articles Discussed

Abad et al. Reprogramming in vivo produces teratomas and iPS cells with totipotency features. Nature, 2013.

Ross et al. Depleting myeloid-biased haematopoietic stem cells rejuvenates aged immunity. Nature, 2024.

Ocampo et al. In Vivo Amelioration of Age-Associated Hallmarks by Partial Reprogramming. Cell, 2016.

Wang et al. In vivo partial reprogramming of myofibers promotes muscle regeneration by remodeling the stem cell niche. Nature Communications, 2021.

Browder et al. In vivo partial reprogramming alters age-associated molecular changes during physiological aging in mice. Nature Aging, 2022.

Weindruch et al. The retardation of aging in mice by dietary restriction: longevity, cancer, immunity and lifetime energy intake. Journal of Nutrition, 1986.

Lu et al. Reprogramming to recover youthful epigenetic information and restore vision. Nature, 2020.

Yucel and Gladyshev. The long and winding road of reprogramming-induced rejuvenation. Nature Communications, 2024.

Lopez-Otin et al. The Hallmarks of Aging. Cell, 2013.

Choudhury et al. Proline restores mitochondrial function and reverses aging hallmarks in senescent cells. Cell Reports, 2024.

Zeng et al. Restoration of CPEB4 prevents muscle stem cell senescence during aging. Developmental Cell, 2023.