Longer Life: What Does Science Say?

Kara Swisher introduces a series on hacking longevity, featuring a discussion on pancreatic cancer research and an interview with Dr. Eric Verdin. Dr. Verdin, president of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, discusses how individuals have significant control over how they age through lifestyle choices. He reframes aging not as a disease itself, but as the primary risk factor for major age-related conditions.

Dr. Eric Verdin explains how modern research has revealed that aging is a regulated process rather than an inevitable decline, opening the door to potential interventions. He discusses his work at the Buck Institute and the Verdin Lab, highlighting the critical connection between immune system health and the aging process.

Kara Swisher and Dr. Eric Verdin discuss the lack of scientific consensus around longevity supplements and the rise of influencer-driven advice. Dr. Verdin shares his essential supplement list and explains the science behind NAD boosters like NMN and NR, as well as the role of the CD38 molecule in aging.

Dr. Eric Verdin and Kara Swisher discuss the longevity potential of rapamycin, a prescription drug that targets the mTOR protein to increase lifespan in animal models. They also evaluate the current limitations of biological age tests and explore the groundbreaking field of cellular rejuvenation through Yamanaka factors.

Dr. Eric Verdin shares his skepticism regarding the concept of longevity escape velocity and immortality, emphasizing a focus on extending healthy lifespan instead. He also discusses the scientific benefits of fasting, highlighting time-restricted eating as an effective and approachable method.

Dr. Eric Verdin discusses the role of billionaire philanthropy in funding longevity research, comparing its high initial costs to the early days of Tesla. He also shares his passion for vintage car racing at Sonoma Raceway, explaining how the sport contributes to his physical health and mental focus.

Kara Swisher interviews Dr. Vinod Balachandran, a surgeon and scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, about his groundbreaking research on pancreatic cancer vaccines. They discuss the high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer, the limitations of current treatments, and the potential of mRNA technology to train the immune system to fight tumors.

Dr. Vinod Balachandran discusses the scientific challenges of training the immune system to recognize pancreatic cancer cells. He explains how studying long-term survivors has led to breakthroughs in developing personalized cancer vaccines.

Dr. Vinod Balachandran discusses his research on pancreatic cancer, focusing on rare long-term survivors who exhibit a high concentration of T cells in their tumors. By studying these outliers, researchers hope to develop vaccines that train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Dr. Vinod Balachandran explains how individualized mRNA vaccines are being developed to treat pancreatic cancer. By analyzing the unique mutations of each patient's tumor at Sloan Kettering and shipping them to Germany for vaccine synthesis, researchers are leveraging mRNA technology to trigger rapid, custom immune responses.

Dr. Vinod Balachandran discusses the promising results of a phase one clinical trial for an mRNA-based pancreatic cancer vaccine. Despite political hurdles, including funding cuts by RFK Jr., the National Cancer Institute is moving forward with a national cancer vaccine roadmap.

Kara Swisher and Dr. Vinod Balachandran discuss the future of cancer treatments, specifically focusing on the potential of mRNA vaccines. Dr. Balachandran expresses optimism that pancreatic cancer could see major solutions within our lifetime, provided there is cross-sector collaboration and funding.