How to Slow Aging (and even reverse it)
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Published 2019-12-14
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What causes aging? According to Professor David Sinclair, it is a loss of information in our epigenome, the system of proteins like histones and chemical markers like methylation that turn on and off genes. Epigenetics allow different cell types to perform their specific functions - they are what differentiate a brain cell from a skin cell. Our DNA is constantly getting broken, by cosmic rays, UV radiation, free radicals, x-rays and regular cell division etc. When our cells repair that damage, the epigenome is not perfectly reset. And hence over time, noise accumulates in our epigenome. Our cells no longer perform their functions well.
To counter this decline, we can activate the body's own defenses against aging by stressing the body. Eat less, eat less protein, engage in intense exercise, experience uncomfortable cold. When the body senses existential threats it triggers longevity genes, which attempt to maintain the body to ensure its survival until good times return. This may be the evolutionary legacy of early bacteria, which established these two modes of living (repair and protect vs grow and reproduce). Scientists are uncovering ways to mimic stresses on the body without the discomfort of fasting. Molecules like NMN also trigger sirtuins to monitor and repair the epigenome. This may slow aging.
Reversing aging requires an epigenetic reset, which may be possible using Yamanaka factors. These four factors can revert an adult cell into a pluripotent stem cell. Prof. Sinclair used three of the four factors to reverse aging in the retinal cells of old mice. He found they could see again after the treatment.
Special thanks to:
Professor David Sinclair, check out his book "Lifespan: Why We Age & Why We Don't Have To"
Assistant Professor David Gold
Noemie Sierra (for polyp images)
Genepool Productions for telomere animations from Immortal: ve42.co/immortal
Epigenetics animations (DNA, histones, methylation etc) courtesy of: wehi.tv/
Animation: Etsuko Uno
Art and Technical Direction: Drew Berry
Sound Design: Francois Tetaz & Emma Bortignon
Scientific Consultation: Marnie Blewitt
Courtesy of Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Filming, editing and animation by Jonny Hyman and Derek Muller
Music from epidemicsound.com/ "Clearer Views" "Innovations" "A Sound Foundation" "Seaweed"
Additional music by Kevin MacLeod from incompetech.com/ "Marty Gots a Plan"
All Comments (21)
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It is physically impossible to say "mitochondria" without adding an explanation that its a "powerhouse of a cell".
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Once again, science has cured every illness known to mice!
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I don't think you needed to clarify the mitochondria's function. Every baby comes out of the womb with the ancestral knowledge that " The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell". Great video! I was very excited to see Sinclair contribute, he's one of my biggest role models.
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its been 2 years now, can we have an update video on prof. sinclair? i think that this is one of the best video you've ever done and i cant wait for an update
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“I was biologically sixty and than I changed my life and become 31” that seems like something an evil scientist would say
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this man really dropped a mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell into this
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Dr Sinclair was famous within the biomedical community as far back as 12 years ago for ingesting Sirtuin (a molecule that he was researching on) despite lack of clinical studies . Professors at my university used to tell the class how reckless his action was, but fast forward 12 years it looks like his self-medication is working. (Source - a biomedical science student at Monash University at 2010)
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This video immediately reminded me of the question "if you were offered immortality, would you take it" And i have learned it always depended on if it was just you, or if your friends would be too
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so basically, if you live an uncomfortable life, you can be uncomfortable longer
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Sometime in the possible near future: “Doc, I’m feeling a little too old, what can you do for me?” “Have you tried turning your epigenenome off and on again?”
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This video is now 4 years old… I would LOVE an update video of how they have progressed with their research in this time.
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Its a sign of inteligence that someone can explain a really complex term using simple words
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Derek starts going grey: "so how do we stop aging?"
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These YouTube tutorials are getting more and more advanced
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The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.
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Bad news: tired, cold, and hungry. Good news: you get to do it for a long time.
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"there's mitochondrial dysfunction" Don't do it.. Don't you dare- "Those are the powerhouses of the cell" GOD DAMMIT, DEREK.
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Sinclair looks suspiciously young for his age, him being a 50 year old professor that studies anti-aging. Maybe he’ll one day turn into a super villain called something like “Professor Baby” or “Doctor Embryo”
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I love how failure in applying epigenomic therapy is just "become a tumor". That's the spectrum of possibilities for anti-aging therapy in tissue: grow older, stay the same, grow younger, or become a tumor. I imagine becoming a tumor as something like Star Trek the motion picture where the transporter failed and "what we got back didn't live long"...
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Thank you Veritasium and Nicolas Flamel
