In 2014, Matt co-founded the Dog Aging Project, a large-scale study aimed at understanding ageing in dogs, with insights that may benefit humans. Dogs are ideal for this research due to their shared environment with humans, genetic diversity, and rapid ageing. With over 50,000 dogs enrolled, the project has already contributed to more than 50 scientific papers. However, after losing federal funding, it now seeks financial support to continue its work, including a clinical trial of rapamycin in dogs. Donations are encouraged, with special rewards for top contributors.

Key Points:

Matt discuss about the Dog Aging Project, the largest study of canine health and longevity, aiming to understand ageing in both dogs and humans. The project, now involving over 50,000 dogs, relies on public support to continue its ground-breaking research, including a clinical trial of rapamycin, after losing federal funding.

• Introduction to the Dog Aging Project: The Dog Aging Project is a large-scale study of ageing involving over 50,000 pet dogs. The goal is to understand the biology of ageing in dogs and extend their healthspan and lifespan, benefiting both dogs and humans.
• Crowdfunding for Research: A critical funding gap from the NIH has prompted a crowdfunding campaign. Supporters can contribute via Donor List, where individuals or organizations can become champions by sharing the campaign or offering matching donations.
• Scientific Goals: The project focuses on two primary goals: understanding the genetic and environmental factors that affect ageing in dogs, and testing interventions, such as the drug rapamycin, to slow ageing and improve healthspan.
• Open Science and Community Engagement: Data collected through the project is made freely available to the scientific community to promote open research. The project has engaged 50,000 Americans in ageing research, significantly boosting public interest in geroscience.
• Cohorts and Trials: Various cohorts of dogs are studied, including a "centenarian cohort" of long-lived dogs and a clinical trial testing rapamycin. The trials are designed to investigate whether specific interventions can extend both healthspan and lifespan.
• Broader Impact: The project has set a template for longevity clinical trials in companion animals and has received widespread media attention, demonstrating the bond between people and their pets while advancing science.