Can we turn back the clock on our biology? In Episode #334, I sit down with Nobel Prize-winning structural biologist Dr Venki Ramakrishnan to discuss why we age, how the aging process works, and the cutting-edge scientific advancements that could help us live longer and healthier lives. Dr Ramakrishnan’s work has led to groundbreaking insights into molecular biology, and today, we explore what science tells us about aging, the factors that influence it, and how we might slow it down.
“Although we’ve known about mortality and aging for a long time, for most of our history there was nothing we could do about it… for the first time [we’re] in a position to ask, can we do something about it.”
Dr Venki Ramakrishnan is a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research into the structure of the ribosome. He currently runs his research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr Ramakrishnan served as president of the Royal Society from 2015 to 2020 and is the author of Gene Machine and Why We Die.
“Having a sense of our mortal existence is a great driver; it’s a driving force to make the most of what we have and achieve things while we’re around.”
In this episode, you’ll learn about the core reasons why we age, including the role of ribosomes and DNA damage in the aging process. Dr Ramakrishnan offers a balanced perspective on popular longevity interventions, sharing insights into which anti-aging claims hold up under scrutiny and how much control we truly have over the aging process.
We explore concepts like “biological age”, the benefits of behaviours such as calorie restriction, and practical actions we can take today to extend our healthspan. This conversation provides a comprehensive understanding of the science behind aging and how we can make informed choices to live longer, healthier lives.
Specifically, we discuss:
- Introduction to Aging and Longevity Science (00:00)
- Ribosomes and Their Role in Longevity Research (00:57)
- Controversies in Anti-Aging Research (05:09)
- Understanding the Biology of Aging (11:25)
- Genetics and Evolution: How They Shape Human Lifespan (22:10)
- Youthful Cells: The Future of Longevity Studies (29:38)
- Biological Interventions in Aging: Potential and Risks (46:09)
- Ancestral Living and Traditional Medicine for Longevity (52:09)
- Cellular Aging Mechanisms: A Deeper Look (56:51)
- Protein Synthesis and Its Impact on Aging Processes (01:04:19)
- DNA Damage and Repair: Implications for Aging (01:16:53)
- Lifestyle Choices That Influence Aging and Lifespan (01:24:03)
- Philosophical Perspectives on Extended Human Longevity (01:32:53)
- Concluding Thoughts on Aging and Longevity Research (01:43:21)
Thank you to Dr Venki Ramakrishnan for joining me for this conversation. It was an honour to discuss such an important topic with one of the most distinguished minds in structural biology. If you found this episode insightful, please consider sharing it with someone who you think may benefit from it.
Learn more about Dr Venki Ramakrishnan here, and be sure to check out his books Gene Machine and Why We Die.
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More about Dr Venki Ramakrishnan
Venki Ramakrishnan shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for uncovering the structure of the ribosome. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, Venki runs his research group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. From 2015 to 2020, he served as president of the Royal Society, one of the world’s oldest scientific organisations. He is the author of the frank scientific memoir Gene Machine.
