Being (Im)Mortal | Tony Wyss-Coray, PhD

The Doctor's Art

From ancient myths to science fiction, humans have long been fascinated by the idea of transcending the limits of our natural lifespan. But what does modern medicine say about the practical, actual possibilities of extending human life? Joining us to explore this tantalizing question is Tony Wyss-Coray, PhD, a neuroscientist and director of the Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience at Stanford University. While his research focuses on age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, his work has involved identifying the “biological age” of various organs and its implications on various diseases, and treating old animals with the blood of young animals to halt, and even reverse, aging of the body.

Over the course of our conversation, we not only discuss the mysterious mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, but also venture beyond the lab to explore the philosophical and ethical dimensions of life extension. We ask: how does our understanding of aging affect our perception of self and identity? Is aging a disease to be treated? What are our social and moral obligations when it comes to prolonging life or enhancing brain function? Is immortality even desirable?

In this episode, we discuss:

2:30 - How Dr. Wyss-Coray became drawn to neuroscience

4:45 - Defining neurodegeneration and aging

9:26 - The studies that led Dr. Wyss-Coray and his team to finding the gap between biological age and chronological age

21:06 - Is reversing the aging of an organism’s body a realistic goal?

28:31 - The possibilities and limits of treating neurodegenerative conditions

33:49 - Dr. Wyss-Coray’s groundbreaking work in treating old animals with the blood of young animals to reverse aging

38:51 - The philosophical and moral implications of life extension

48:57 - Dr. Wyss-Coray insight into the “secrets” behind some people’s longevity

Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray can be found on Twitter/X at @wysscoray.

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