Siim Land Podcast #472 Scientist Reveals the Hidden Program of Aging and How to Control It - Josh Mitteldorf PhD
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Sep 26, 2025 Josh Mitteldorf, PhD, is a physicist turned aging researcher and the author of "Cracking the Aging Code." He explores why aging may be a programmed process shaped by evolution, diving into concepts like caloric restriction, telomere shortening, and altruistic cell death. Mitteldorf discusses species that exhibit negligible aging, the role of insulin in lifespan, and the potential of exosomes for rejuvenation. He also touches on the ethical implications of life extension and shares practical longevity tips, offering a fascinating glimpse into controlling our biological clock.
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Worms Run Out Of Sperm By Design
- Mitteldorf describes C. elegans running out of sperm after two days despite living ~20 days.
- He uses this as evidence of internal reproductive programming rather than inevitable wear.
Epigenetic Programs Drive Aging
- Aging is mediated by epigenetic shifts that ramp up inflammation, apoptosis, autoimmunity and telomere loss.
- These are programmed regulatory shifts that progressively damage tissues and drive major age diseases.
Starving Yeast Sacrifice Themselves
- Mitteldorf recounts Walter Longo's yeast experiments where 95% of starving yeast commit suicide to feed 5% survivors.
- He presents this as a clear experimental example of extreme group-level altruism.
