In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander is joined by Dr. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, a leading figure in aging research. Dr. Scheibye-Knudsen discusses his groundbreaking research on the role of DNA damage in the aging process and its implications for chronic diseases, aging research, and longevity medicine. The goal of his work is "to discover interventions leading to healthier, happier, and more productive lives."

Dr. Scheibye-Knudsen's work is on understanding normal and premature aging, with a focus on the pivotal role of DNA damage in the aging process and interventions for healthier aging. By combining computational methods with laboratory experiments, his team explores innovative strategies to target DNA and counteract aging processes. This conversation illuminates the intricate relationship between DNA damage, aging, and chronic diseases. 

Dr. Scheibye-Knudsen also discusses the impact of lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, social factors) on aging. He goes on to describe his work using data-driven approaches to better understand aging and developing interventions, including identifying novel targets and drugs, for healthier aging. Additionally, he explains what longevity medicine is and the importance of educating clinicians and politicians on this topic to translate research on aging into healthcare and improve people’s healthspan and lifespan. Dr. Scheibye-Knudsen's dedication to unraveling the mysteries of aging is advancing scientific knowledge, which has tangible benefits for global health and longevity.

Episode timestamps

• Introduction: 00:00-03:06
• What led Dr. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen to become a scientist?: 03:07-04:37
• Could please give us an overview of the research you are doing?: 04:38-05:54
• What is DNA damage, and what causes it?: 05:55-07:54
• What do we know about the influence of DNA damage on aging and age-related diseases?: 07:55-09:41
• Can DNA damage be repaired? 09:42-14:14
• What questions are your research group asking to better understand DNA damage and repair and their effects on aging?: 14:15-16:22
• What is NAD, and why is it relevant to aging and age-related diseases?: 16:23-19:56
• What are the benefits and risks of NR and NMN supplements in humans?: 19:57-24:50
• What is a ketogenic diet? What are the effects of a ketogenic diet or ketones on DNA damage or repair and aging?: 24:51-31:08
• What is the effect of a ketogenic diet on cancer?: 31:09-32:29
• What is the Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) conference and its mission?: 32:30-40:43
• What are the most prevalent features of aging?: 40:44-47:54
• Are there differences in aging between females and males?: 47:55-50:21
• Are there differences in tissue aging trajectories?: 50:22-54:01
• Identifying compounds that target aging: 54:02-56:16
• Can nuclear morphology predict cellular senescence and cancer?: 56:17-01:04:04
• What is longevity medicine, and why is it so important for physicians?: 01:04:05-01:07:25
• What pharmaceutical drugs are the most promising for targeting aging to extend human healthspan and lifespan?: 01:07:26-01:12:00
• How important are lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity and exercise, sleep, and social engagement and connections for human healthspan and lifespan?: 01:12:01-01:16:39
• Dr. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen’s top tip for health: 01:16:40-01:18:22