In this episode of Drug Diaries, host Kaushik Trivedi engages with Professor Brian Kennedy, a leading figure in aging research. They explore the molecular mechanics of aging, the significance of metabolic health, and the role of various pathways and interventions in promoting longevity. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding aging as a conserved biological process, the development of clinical aging clocks, and the potential of geroprotective interventions in healthcare. Kennedy shares insights from his career, emphasizing the interconnectedness of aging pathways and the need for actionable measures in clinical settings. In this conversation, Kaushik Trivedi discusses the latest advancements in aging research, focusing on the role of Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) in promoting healthspan and longevity. He emphasizes the importance of precision medicine in tailoring interventions for individuals, the challenges of designing effective clinical trials, and the need for research and development in aging supplements. Trivedi also highlights the economic and societal impacts of aging, advocating for preventative approaches and accessibility to anti-aging treatments. He calls for a shift towards human studies in aging research and shares insights on the narrative around aging and intelligence, as well as the positive changes in older adults. The conversation concludes with advice for young researchers and a hopeful outlook on the future of aging research. takeaways There will be 2 billion people over 65 by 2050. Obesity is a significant factor that accelerates aging. Aging interventions need to be accessible to everyone. Aging pathways are conserved across species. Sirtuins and mTOR are key players in aging research. Clinical aging clocks can help predict mortality risk. Metabolic health is crucial for maximizing health span. GLP-1 and metformin have controversial roles in aging treatment. Reliable biological age tests are in development. Geroprotective interventions could revolutionize healthcare. AKG is a key metabolite that declines with age. Precision longevity medicine aims to tailor interventions to individuals. Long-term prevention studies are expensive and challenging. Research on aging supplements is crucial for healthspan. Economic impacts of aging necessitate proactive measures. Preventative approaches to aging can improve quality of life. Accessibility to anti-aging treatments is a growing concern. Human studies are essential for advancing aging research. Understanding aging biology is a fascinating pursuit. Young researchers should embrace versatility in their studies. titles Exploring the Future of Aging Molecular Insights into Aging Brian Kennedy: A Journey Through Aging Research Conserved Pathways in Aging Understanding Sirtuins and mTOR Sound Bites "Obesity accelerates aging." "Aging pathways are so highly evolutionary conserved." "We can treat them now." "Metabolic health and aging are extremely linked." "We need to keep people healthy." "The network is breaking down." "It's extremely expensive long-term prevention studies." "We need to tackle the problem of social connectivity." "We need to bring fields together in aging research." "There's a huge amount of promise for this field." "Don't take 20 different things at the same time." Chapters 00:00 The Future of Aging: A Global Perspective 04:43 Brian Kennedy's Journey: From Yeast to Human Trials 10:46 Sirtuins and mTOR: Key Players in Aging 14:58 mTOR Pathway: A Central Node in Aging Interventions 20:36 Metabolic Age: A New Metric for Health 23:58 The Quest for Reliable Biological Age Tests 27:42 Hallmarks of Aging: Interconnected Pathways and Their Implications 30:59 Precision Longevity Medicine: Tailoring Interventions 33:54 Designing Clinical Trials for Anti-Aging 35:40 Research and Development in Aging Supplements 37:34 Economic and Societal Impacts of Aging 40:50 Preventative Approaches to Aging 42:32 Accessibility of Anti-Aging Treatments 43:56 The Shift to Human Studies in Aging Research 45:22 The Fascination of Aging Biology 46:41 Advice for Young Researchers in Aging 48:54 Challenges in Aging and Longevity Entrepreneurship 50:04 Changing the Narrative Around Aging and Intelligence 52:26 Leveraging Positive Changes in Older Adults 54:27 The Future of Aging Research: Key Takeaways