This episode delves into rejuvenation biotechnology, focusing on medical interventions aimed at reversing biological ageing rather than targeting individual diseases. Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a pioneer in this field for over 20 years, discusses his groundbreaking work with the Methuselah Foundation, SENS Research Foundation, and the LEV Foundation. He shares insights into achieving Longevity Escape Velocity, a future where ageing is no longer a barrier to human health.

Key Points:

Aubrey de Grey’s work on longevity research emphasizes repairing cellular damage rather than slowing ageing, with "Longevity Escape Velocity" as a key concept. Significant scientific progress and entrepreneurial efforts have advanced the field, but societal readiness and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for future breakthroughs. The LEV Foundation’s initiatives, including robust mouse rejuvenation, aim to accelerate the path to practical human rejuvenation therapies.

• Paradigm Shift in Ageing Research: Aubrey de Grey highlights a shift from slowing ageing to repairing cellular and molecular damage. This approach aims to maintain youthful biological function through "rejuvenation biotechnology."
• Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV): The concept involves progressively improving therapies to repair damage faster than it accumulates, potentially leading to indefinite health span extension.
• Breakthroughs in Rejuvenation Research: Recent advancements include promising results in lab studies (e.g., stem cells, senescent cell removal) and early-stage clinical trials addressing age-related diseases like Parkinson's and macular degeneration.
• Challenges and Solutions: Progress is constrained by a lack of interdisciplinary talent and entrepreneurial expertise. Initiatives like the "Less Death" retreats aim to foster collaboration and innovation.
• The Role of the LEV Foundation: This new entity accelerates neglected but critical research areas and aims for robust mouse rejuvenation—doubling their remaining lifespan—as a precursor to human applications.
• Societal and Economic Impacts: Public perception and policy changes will be pivotal as the feasibility of reversing ageing gains traction. The Lev Foundation is actively engaging policymakers to anticipate this paradigm shift.