Live Longer World

By Aastha Jain

The science of aging is moving rapidly and making progress at defeating age-related diseases and aging itself. Live Longer World takes you right where the action is happening! Through conversations wi... more

· Science

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How many episodes does Live Longer World have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.

Live Longer World episodes:

September 19, 2024 Genes are NOT the "blueprint of life" | Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias
Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias is a development biologist and the author of the book The Master Builder: How the New Science of the Cell Is Rewriting the Story of Life. He also co-authored the biology textbook Principles of Development, which was awarded the Royal Society of Biology book prize.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/aarias
OVERVIEW:
Each of our cells has the same DNA. Yet they somehow differentiate into different body parts - eyes, ears, skin, and so on. There is no information in the DNA that tells our cells what to be. How then do they do it?
This is just one example of how contrary to what many might think, DNA does not explain every problem state in biology. Biology has placed too much emphasis on our genes, trying to explain every disease state using genes, when the answer might not reside with them. What if answers to these questions lies with cells?
Even though Dr. Martinez started off as a geneticist, he decided to pivot to understand the properties of cells better. By understanding our cells better, we can make further progress in understanding disease, longevity, and development.
Towards the end, we also talk about Alfonso's fascinating work on gastruloids which are a model to unravel the mysteries of embryonic development, and understand how humans are formed.
This conversation is about the cell’s eye view of biology, and how the gene's eye view of biology might have mislead us. We also talk about why the popular selfish gene theory espoused by Richard Dawkins is incomplete. Looking beyond genes is instrumental to making progress in longevity.

Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/aarias
Find me: https://x.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:15 DNA does not make us unique
5:28 Cells use our genes
10:42 “We have overstretched what genes can explain”
15:41 Relation between genes and cells
20:28 What about the role of epigenetics?
22:42 Cells use mechanical and chemical signals
27:34 Thoughts on bioelectricity and Michael Levin
32:28 Emergence of cells
38:10 Importance of biophysics; What is life?
42:32 Is cancer when cells lose control?
47:58 Richard Dawkins’ Selfish Gene is Incomplete
54:11 But what if genes control development?
57:29 How to complete the selfish gene view?
1:02:05 Cell’s eye view of biology
1:04:48 Understanding embryonic development; gastruloids
1:18:15 Questions Dr. Alfonso is pursuing1:19:47 Thoughts from Feynman
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
X: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
DR. ALFONSO MARTINEZ ARIAS:
Master Builder book: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Builder-Science-Rewriting-Story/dp/1541603273
X: https://x.com/AMartinezArias
Bio page: https://www.icrea.cat/Web/ScientificStaff/alfonso-martinez-arias-352001
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1h 21min
September 04, 2024 The Evolutionary Theory of Cancer | Dr. Charley Lineweaver
The following is a fascinating interview with Dr. Charley Lineweaver, who worked with Paul Davies on his work on cancer which we discuss. Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/clineweaver
Topics include:
- the evolutionary and atavistic theory of cancer
- the incorrectness of the somatic mutation theory of cancer
- a novel take on attacking the weakness of cancer
- how embryogenesis could be viewed as cells reverting to old memory
- the origins of multicellularity
- “Cancer cannot do anything new”
The atavistic theory of cancer states that cancer cells revert to an old memory they have from billions of years, but forget the new memory. The old memory pertains to constant cell proliferation, which happened as single-celled creatures, and in fact in embryogenesis as well. The new memory pertains to regulating cell proliferation and cells knowing when to stop cellular division. In cancer, it seems like cells forget this new memory and revert to the old memory.
This theory has many interesting explanations and predictions which we dive into in the conversation. Enjoy!
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/clineweaver
Find me: https://x.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Background in astrobiology
1:53 Evolutionary theory of cancer
6:22 Atavistic model: Cancer cells go back to “original state”
9:50 Atavistic theory vs. Cancer
14:44 Somatic Mutation Theory of Cancer is Wrong
22:36 Disagreement with Mike Levin’s work
24:17 Attack the weakness of cancer
27:45 Vaccine for cancer
38:08 Wound healing and cancer
41:23 Why new genes are more susceptible to damage
45:26 Origins of multicellularity
48:49 Predictions of Atavistic model
53:45 Cancer cells spread
56:52 Cell proliferation, Cancer, Hayflick limit
58:54 Doctors are not trained in evolution
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
DR. CHARLEY LINEWEAVER:
Website: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/lineweaver-ch
Papers referenced:
- Cancer progression as a series of atavistic reversions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8860064/
- Targeting cancer's weaknesses, not its strengths: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4282648/
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1h 6min
July 11, 2024 Michael Levin & Ken Robinson | Bioelectricity in the era of the Genetic Code
This is the third in my series with Dr. Michael Levin where we interview significant people in the history of developmental bioelectricity.
Ken Robinson has a long list of accomplishments in the bioelectricity field, covering the role of electric fields in guiding cell migration and more generally the function of electrogenic epithelia in embryogenesis. This is about a ~1 hour conversation in which he talks about his background, the history of the field, and his time in Lionel Jaffe's lab.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/krobinson
Find me: https://x.com/aasthajs
Background on the bioelectricity series & 1st episode with Dr. Richard Nuccitelli: https://www.livelongerworld.com/p/rnuccitelli
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Ken’s background - From physics to bioelectricity
6:10 Bioelectricity in the era of the “genetic code”
10:27 Ken’s first experiments in ion movement using light
23:25 Proton pump and its significance
26:07 Neurons respond to electrical signals
36:26 Working in Lionel Jaffe’s lab
47:39 Mike Levin as an undergrad
48:49 Membrane potential left-right asymmetry in cells
52:59 Epithelia is powerfully electrogenic
57:49 Advances for bioelectricity
59:27 Underrated people in the field
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Michael Levin: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin
Mike's bibliography of bioelectricity: https://thoughtforms.life/my-reference-lists-whole-endnote-library-and-bibliography-on-bioelectromagnetics/
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/krobinson
Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8?si=WrQ_iI8ABbG6eibm
...more
1h 2min
June 25, 2024 Michael Levin & Min Zhao | Bioelectricity in Wound Repair
This is the second of several interviews Michael Levin and I will do with significant people in the history of developmental bioelectricity. Min Zhao's work is focused on the role of ion currents and applied electric fields in cell migration and wound repair.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/mzhao
Find me: https://x.com/aasthajs
Background on the bioelectricity series & 1st episode with Dr. Richard Nuccitelli: https://youtu.be/DtUqOwTRvz0?si=3OJryM0yJjzfQtfo
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Min’s background from trauma surgery to bioelectricity
5:14 Bioelectricity in wound healing
13:51 Potential and challenges of bioelectricity in wound healing
21:40 Min’s take on Robert Becker’s work
24:53 Scientists in the field Min drew got inspired by
29:36 The era before Lionel Jaffe
32:39 Experiments in wound healing using bioelectricity
45:43 Min’s current explorations
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Michael Levin: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin
Min Zhao: https://health.ucdavis.edu/dermatology/faculty/zhao.html
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/mzhao
Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8?si=WrQ_iI8ABbG6eibm
...more
57min
May 30, 2024 Glyphosate Toxicity & Deuterium's Role in Cancer, Celiac, Aging | Dr. Stephanie Seneff
Stephanie Seneff is the pioneer in raising concerns around glyphosate, a chemical and active ingredient in RoundUp and other pesticides, which has practically infiltrated our food system, water bodies, and soil. Glyphosate has been linked to several diseases including liver disease, autoimmunity, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, microbiome problems, and more.
Dr. Stephanie Seneff has spent 10+ years researching glyphosate’s harmful impact on our health, and documented her findings in her book Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate is Destroying our Health and the Environment.
More recently, Stephanie has been doing research on deuterium (a hydrogen isotope in the body) and how glyphosate can cause an excess of deuterium, potentially leading to cancer and other health consequences.
Glyphosate is affecting each one of us. It’s worth paying attention to this toxic chemical.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/sseneff
Find me (Aastha) on X: https://x.com/aasthajs
DR. STEPHANIE SENEFF LINKS:
Website: https://stephanieseneff.net/
X: https://x.com/stephanieseneff
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Legacy-Stephanie-Seneff/dp/1603589295/
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
X: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Autism in children, vaccines, glyphosate
2:30 Aluminum and fluoride in water
3:47 Glyphosate in our food and its toxicity
6:05 Celiac’s link to glyphosate
8:25 Glyphosate impacting collagen in our bodies
12:55 Soil regeneration after glyphosate
15:24 Breaking down glyphosate in our waterways
16:36 Glyphosate causing sulfate deficiency; cruciferous veggies
18:43 Sulfate powers bioelectricity in our cells; Gerald Pollack
21:23 Avoid sunscreen?
22:25 Deuterium and its toxicity
25:20 How Stephanie started looking at Deuterium
26:36 Low deuterium water good for health?
29:25 Excess deuterium causing cancer
30:52 Stephanie’s wild theory on curing cancer
35:19 What else causes increase in deuterium
35:38 Glyphosate in rain water
36:25 PSCSK9 inhibitors harmful with glyphosate
38:49 Solutions to avoid glyphosate
42:23 U.S. stopped Mexico banning glyphosate
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/sseneff
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1h 19min
May 02, 2024 Michael Levin & Richard Nuccitelli | History of Bioelectricity & Solving Cancer
This is the first of several interviews Michael Levin and I will do with significant people in the history of developmental bioelectricity.
Richard Nuccitelli is a legend, having invented (with Lionel Jaffe, in 1974) the Vibrating Probe - a technique that allowed the non-invasive sensing of ion currents around living tissues. This is about a ~1 hour conversation in which he talks about his background, the history of the field, and his current clinical work on the bioelectrics of cancer.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/rnuccitelli
Find me: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, I interviewed Dr. Michael Levin on his work on bioelectricity in cells and how that has the potential to solve cancer and aging. Since then, Mike has also appeared on Lex Fridman and many other podcasts talking about his revolutionary work.
Amongst all the podcasts I did, Mike’s work struck me as profound yet underappreciated. The field of biology has focused on the DNA and the relevance of the electric currents in our cells is not appreciated. Yes, the electrical energy powering our cells is what keeps us alive!
Earlier this year, I decided to dive deeper into bioelectricity. I’m starting by exploring the history of the field in conjunction with Michael Levin. We’re doing a series of interviews talking to scientists in the field to understand the origins of the field, bottlenecks, progress so far, and what the future could look like.
Today's interview is the first in the series with Dr. Richard Nuccitelli.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro to History of Bioelectricity Series
1:09 How Rich got interested in bioelectricity
4:34 Bioelectrics didn't make it to biology literature
7:55 Vibrating probe use cases
10:20 Bioelectrics in 1970s
13:37 Why is bioelectrics underrated?
22:50 Field progression
29:02 Ultra high voltage in treating cancer
39:00 Understanding significance of bioelectrics from 1900s
44:40 Working with Lionel Jaffe
50:27 How Mike entered bioelectrics
54:02 Criticism received by bioelectrics?
57:04 Missing technology to advance bioelectrics
1:00:52 Electrical patterns in cells with age
1:03:12 Image of electrics in organisms
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/aasthajs
Michael Levin: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin
Richard Nuccitelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuccitelli/
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/rnuccitelli
Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8?si=WrQ_iI8ABbG6eibm
...more
1h 5min
April 24, 2024 FDA History and Breast Cancer Drug Controversy | Dr. Mikkael Sekeres
Dr. Mikkael Sekeres is the author of the book The Drugs and FDA. He served as the chair of the Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA, and was on the jury for the controversial trial of the breast cancer drug Avastin.
We discuss:
- The history of the FDA,
- The trial of Avastin which got FDA approval in 2008 and revoked in 2011
- FDA's funding mechanisms
- FDA ties to big pharma
- What can be improved about the FDA and the criticisms it receives
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/msekeres
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Surprising finding about the FDA
2:38 Why did the FDA get established in 1938?
11:48 1962 turning point in the FDA & Thalidomide
19:57 Kennedy’s efficacy act on drugs approval
25:40 FDA’s accelerated approval; HIV & AIDS
33:23 Avastin breast cancer drug controversy
41:13 Why was Avastin trial contentious?
45:23 Genentech’s argument
50:00 Media reaction
53:21 FDA funded by big pharma
56:39 FDA vs. patient activist groups
59:50 Opioid crisis
1:03:30 Does the FDA go against advisory committee?
CONNECT WITH AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/aasthajs
DR. MIKKAEL SEKERES LINKS:
Website: https://www.mikkaelsekeres.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikkaelSekeres
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Drugs-FDA-Safety-Efficacy-Publics/dp/0262047314
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it and leave a rating. Best, Aastha.
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1h 6min
November 08, 2023 #27 Women's Reproductive Aging, Menopause, & Hormone Replacement Therapy | Dr. Jennifer Garrison
Dr. Jennifer Garrison is a an Assistant professor at the Buck Institute for research on aging where she studies women's reproductive aging. In today’s conversation we discussed menopause and it’s effect on women’s health, hormone replacement therapy, and how increasing the number of quality eggs a woman has at age 40 by just 1% can be a game changer.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/jgarrison
Find the previous podcast episodes & subscribe to be notified: https://livelongerworld.com/
Find me (Aastha) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
DR. JENNIFER GARRISON LINKS:
Lab: http://garrisonlab.com/ Donate to her research: https://gcrle.org/
CONNECT WITH AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
1:38 Jennifer Garrison Intro
2:32 Ovarian aging & health risks
5:23 Progression of Ovarian aging
8:49 Menopause and negative health effects
10:34 Hypothalamus & Mind body communication
14:40 Reproductive & Equality Initiatives
18:21 Biological Clock for Reproductive aging
20:20 Tweaking hormonal cues
22:07 Number of eggs vs. Quality of eggs
25:00 Genetics in ovarian aging
26:21 Understanding family history
27:39 Evolutionary benefit to Menopause?
32:33 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & its benefits
38:28 Narrow window for HRT
40:08 Perimenopause
42:56 Women’s health funding
45:14 Average age girls start menstruating is declining
49:10 PCOS
52:42 Athletes and irregular cycles
56:36 Individualized menopause symptoms
1:00:38 Exercise and ovarian aging
1:02:00 Support Jennifer's work
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/jgarrison
POPULAR EPSIODES:
- Richard Miller on Longevity Supplements: https://youtu.be/42PzfNs9egA
- Matt Kaeberlein on Rapamycin: https://youtu.be/BL67DhNepfg
- Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8
- Nir Barzilai on Metformin & Centenarians: https://youtu.be/YlkBE8N7sl8
- Morgan Levine on Epigenetic Clocks: https://youtu.be/am3YKiTpCHo
Thanks for watching & if you enjoy the episode, let's spread the message on longevity.
You can support my work by sharing, liking, subscribing, leaving a review on Apple podcasts, or signing up as a premium member.
Aging is universal. Let's unite in this fight.
Stay in good health - Aastha.
...more
1h 4min
June 29, 2023 #26 Scaling Laws in Longevity & Aging | Dr. Geoffrey West, Author of book Scale
Dr. Geoffrey West is the author of the bestselling book Scale, the Universal Laws of Life Growth and Death in Organisms, cities and Companies. He is a physicist who got fascinated by the field of aging and longevity and asked the question of why we live as long as we do and no longer. In today's episode, we dive into his research on the scaling laws in biology and longevity.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/p/gwest
Find the previous podcast episodes & subscribe to be notified: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/
Find me (Aastha) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajs
DR. GEOFFREY WEST LINKS:
Profile: https://www.santafe.edu/people/profile/geoffrey-west
Book: https://amzn.to/3Xtl7wU
CONNECT WITH AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/
Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/aasthajs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
1:35 Context on Dr. West's book Scale
9:00 Networks in biology & cities
22:50 Scaling laws in longevity
32:33 Upper limit to human age?
39:08 Quantifying Caloric restriction
41:52 Metabolism & Body temperature
49:05 Scaling laws in age-related damage
56:35 Scaling body sizes across species
1:01:38 Scaling laws in drug dosage (LSD & Elephants)
1:11:06 Drug dosage in children (Tylenol & babies)
1:13:44 Vaccine dosage scaling laws
1:17:51 Sleep & Aging in different organisms
1:31:22 Early stimulation for child development
1:36:35 Fasting, meal frequency & digestive time
1:39:10 Sleep demands with work & physical activity
1:43:40: Scaling laws in cities, companies & universities
2:02:00 Outro
POPULAR EPSIODES:
Richard Miller on Longevity Supplements: https://youtu.be/42PzfNs9egA
Matt Kaeberlein on Rapamycin: https://youtu.be/BL67DhNepfg
Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8
Nir Barzilai on Metformin & Centenarians: https://youtu.be/YlkBE8N7sl8
Morgan Levine on Epigenetic Clocks: https://youtu.be/am3YKiTpCHo
Thanks for watching & if you enjoy the episode, let's spread the message on longevity.
You can support my work by sharing, liking, subscribing, leaving a review on Apple podcasts, or signing up as a premium member.
Aging is universal. Let's unite in this fight.
Stay in good health - Aastha.
...more
2h 4min
August 04, 2022 #25 Caloric Restriction Deep-Dive & Longevity Secrets of Long-Lived Animals | Dr. Steven Austad
All platforms / Episode Transcript: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/p/saustad
Dr. Steven Austad is a professor in the Healthy Aging department at the University of Alabama and also scientific director of the American Federation for Aging research. He has a fascinating entry into the world of aging research - it all began with training lions!
There are many open questions on the caloric restriction research for enhancing longevity and we dive into that. Further, a lot of Dr. Austad’s work focuses on what long-lived animal species can teach us about living longer and healthier lives. His lab works on exotic species, like clams that live more than 500 years, and hydra that don’t age at all, in order to discover aging treatments. He also tries to uncover the mysteries around why men and women respond differently to longevity therapeutics.
Find the previous podcast episodes & subscribe to be notified: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/
Find me (Aastha) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajz
DR. STEVEN AUSTAD LINKS:
Website: https://www.stevenaustad.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevenAustad
Faculty page: https://www.uab.edu/cas/biology/people/faculty/steven-n-austad
CONNECT WITH AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
Website: https://www.livelongerworld.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aasthajz
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajz/
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Training lions
7:15 Learning from Long-lived species
9:55 Bowhead whales live 200 years
12:55 House sparrows & longevity
14:40 Study "successful" animals
18:10 Naked Mole Rats
20:45 What do bowhead whales die from?
26:05 Why do ocean animals live longest?
31:05 Beyond Caloric Restriction
36:00 Intermittent Fasting & Circadian Rhythm
42:40 Caloric Restriction for Healthy people?
46:24 Will coffee shorten your life?
49:43 The Blue Zone Myth
55:50 Young Blood, I can't get you of out my Mind
1:00:26 Hormones & Health (Growth Hormones for longevity?)
1:05:18 Sex differences in longevity
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.substack.com/p/saustad
POPULAR EPSIODES:
- Richard Miller on Longevity Supplements: https://youtu.be/42PzfNs9egA
- Matt Kaeberlein on Rapamycin: https://youtu.be/BL67DhNepfg
- Michael Levin on Bioelectric Signals for Longevity: https://youtu.be/XboYI_wxDr8
- Nir Barzilai on Metformin & Centenarians: https://youtu.be/YlkBE8N7sl8
- Morgan Levine on Epigenetic Clocks: https://youtu.be/am3YKiTpCHo
Thanks for watching & if you enjoy the episode, let's spread the message on longevity.
You can support my work by sharing, subscribing, leaving a review on Apple podcasts, donating on Patreon, or signing up as a premium member. Aging is universal. Let's unite in this fight. Stay in good health - Aastha.
...more
1h 9min

FAQs about Live Longer World:

How many episodes does Live Longer World have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.