Professor Alexandra Stolzing, a leading expert in biogerontological engineering at Loughborough University, shares her innovative approaches to combating ageing. With over 20 years of experience and a background as the former Vice President of Research at SENS Research Foundation, she discusses advancements in targeting senescent cells, cryopreservation, ageing biomarkers, and AI-driven drug discovery. Her multidisciplinary journey highlights the challenges and opportunities in longevity research, emphasizing the importance of basic science funding.

Key Points:

Professor Alexandra Stolzing shares her expertise on innovative anti-ageing therapies and advanced cryopreservation techniques. She emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary approaches and increased funding in the quest to extend healthy human lifespan.

• Increased Interest in ageing Research: Professor Alexandra Stolzing discusses how anti-ageing research has gained credibility over time, attracting interest from venture capitalists and pharmaceutical companies. However, public and political support for ageing interventions is still lacking.
• Need for Basic Science Funding: Stolzing emphasizes the importance of funding for basic scientific research to ensure continued innovation in ageing interventions. She warns that focusing only on market-driven research could lead to a depletion of fundamental knowledge needed for future breakthroughs.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches in ageing: The podcast highlights Stolzing's unique approach, which combines biology and engineering to develop new therapies. Her work spans from cryopreservation techniques to targeting senescent cells and engineering devices for age-related interventions.
• Advances in Biomarkers and AI: Stolzing discusses her research on breath-based biomarkers to assess biological age and resilience. She also highlights the growing role of AI and machine learning in drug discovery, aiming to improve the efficiency and precision of ageing-related treatments.
• Challenges in Cryopreservation: The conversation touches on the difficulties of improving cryopreservation methods, which are critical for preserving tissues and cells without damage. Stolzing discusses the use of AI to develop safer cryoprotectants and enhance the preservation process.
• Future Directions in Longevity Research: Stolzing shares her thoughts on the future of longevity research, advocating for a combination of advanced bioengineering and traditional repair methods to address the complexities of ageing and extend human healthspan.