Aubrey de Grey

Date: 2020-02-26 | Duration: 1h 44m

Episode Overview

Aubrey de Grey dives deep into the biology of aging, explaining how the accumulation of cellular and molecular damage underlies the decline in physical and cognitive function over time. He emphasizes that aging is not a single disease but a complex, multifaceted problem requiring a comprehensive approach to repair various types of damage. De Grey discusses the current state of regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapies and gene editing techniques like CRISPR, highlighting both their potential and limitations in addressing age-related degeneration. He also reflects on the challenges of shifting public and scientific mindsets that often dismiss aging as inevitable or even beneficial. The conversation touches on the practical and ethical implications of dramatically extending human lifespan, including societal concerns about pensions and resource use. De Grey shares personal anecdotes about his early inspiration and the serendipity that shaped his career in longevity research. He remains optimistic about near-term advances, predicting that within a few years, combined therapies could begin to meaningfully slow or reverse aspects of aging. Throughout, he stresses the importance of rigorous clinical trials and the need for a cultural shift to embrace aging as a treatable condition rather than an unavoidable fate.

About Aubrey de Grey

Aubrey de Grey is an influential English author and gerontologist, best known for his pioneering work in the field of longevity and age-related research. As the Chief Science Officer of the SENS Research Foundation, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative strategies to combat aging, advocating for the potential of regenerative medicine to extend healthy human lifespans. De Grey's provocative theories challenge conventional views on aging, positioning him as a leading voice in longevity science. His appearances, including on the Joe Rogan Experience, have sparked widespread public interest and debate on the future of human lifespan, making him a captivating figure in both scientific and popular discourse.

Key Moments

– Human Aging
– Stem Cell Therapy
– Biological Rejuvenation
– Aging Mechanisms
– Longevity Research
– Artificial Intelligence in Biology
– CRISPR Gene Editing
– Cancer and Aging
– Economic Impact of Aging
– Ethics of Life Extension
– Regenerative Medicine
– Clinical Trials
– Parkinson's Disease
– Environmental Sustainability
– Mental Health and Aging
– Sensory Deprivation
– Exponential Technology Growth
– Public Perception of Aging
– Stem Cell Clinical Applications
0:01:48 – Discussion on causes of human aging
0:03:01 – Physical differences in recovery between young and old
0:09:40 – Introduction to the foundation's mission
0:15:01 – Stem cell therapy applications in aging
0:19:25 – Clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease stem cell treatment
0:22:44 – Divide-and-conquer approach to aging therapies
0:25:26 – Challenges in public mindset about aging
0:29:10 – Differentiating diseases from aging symptoms
0:30:04 – Stem cells role in fixing cell loss
0:33:05 – Aubrey de Grey’s motivation to improve human lifespan
0:36:25 – Eureka moment in aging research
0:41:35 – Seeking overlooked approaches in science
0:46:39 – Frustration with misinformation about aging
0:48:06 – Potential of artificial meat and sustainability
0:55:13 – Future implications of extreme human longevity
1:00:16 – Funding requirements for aging research progress
1:06:42 – Political resistance to aging interventions
1:13:48 – Discussion on CRISPR limitations and applications
1:23:01 – Cancer risk in regenerative therapies
1:33:20 – Optimism about clinical trials and therapy combinations
1:35:58 – Irrelevance of lifespan desire with disease repair
1:39:15 – Role of machines and AI in scientific progress

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 3, 2, 1, boom. Here we go. Starting point is 00:00:13 Oh, yeah. I mean, I stroke it all the time, you know, it's compulsive. Starting point is 00:00:36 Nearly five, I think. It was April of Starting point is 00:00:57 Yes. Starting point is 00:01:19 there are no new revelations in terms of what we understand. Starting point is 00:01:48 What causes human aging? Starting point is 00:02:16 Is that good? Yep. Starting point is 00:03:01 What is the difference physically between a younger person and an older person in terms of their ability to recover from the damage of just regular everyday life and exercise and abuse and running around? Starting point is 00:03:38 And those changes, the reason I'm using the word damage to describe those changes is because Starting point is 00:03:57 how fast you can walk. Starting point is 00:04:25 bad at it. The first reason is that I'm really well built. I'm just lucky. I'm just one of those Starting point is 00:05:01 of aging. And maybe it's a net win. You know, maybe the amount that I'm Starting point is 00:05:20 A few beers a day. Starting point is 00:05:30 or six drinks a day? Yeah, most days. Starting point is 00:05:45 What is an actual beer? Starting point is 00:05:55 Oh, that'll fuck this dude up. Starting point is 00:06:08 We'll have some whiskey. Starting point is 00:06:25 You don't drink Heineken. Starting point is 00:06:48 Ah, right. Or lemonade or something along those lines. Starting point is 00:07:14 Lagavulin, it's pronounced. Starting point is 00:07:24 That's okay. Starting point is 00:07:36 Yeah. Starting point is 00:07:53 Is it a smoky whiskey? Starting point is 00:08:01 I know that's why I know I'm selling it. Starting point is 00:08:13 That's the word that's often used. Starting point is 00:08:36 You just keep it going and drink lots of water? Starting point is 00:09:04 oxford with a stick that's right i'm thing that you do in Cambridge and Oxford with a stick. Starting point is 00:09:20 And...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1432?

Aubrey de Grey was the guest on JRE #1432. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1432?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1432 with Aubrey de Grey, topics include Human Aging, Stem Cell Therapy, Biological Rejuvenation, and Aging Mechanisms.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1432?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1432 with Aubrey de Grey is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.