Is Aging a Disease? Epigenetics with David Sinclair & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Is aging a disease that can be cured? Neil deGrasse Tyson and cohosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly discover the field of epigenetics, the Information Theory of Aging, and curing blindness for mice with Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, David Sinclair. What is epigenetics? Discover the difference between genetics and epigenetics. We discuss whether aging is a disease and if there have been any changes in aging throughout the centuries. David breaks down the information theory of aging and how epigenetic inheritance works. Plus, Chuck tells us about some of the studies he’s reading and how behaviors during your lifetime can be epigenetically passed onto your children. Could we someday cure death? What does aging look like in the broader animal kingdom? We look at aging from an evolutionary standpoint, restoring vision in blind mice, and what the length of your telomeres tells you. We break down conflicting information regarding diet and how to not just live longer but live younger, longer. What are the genes that control aging? We break down what anti-aging medicine would look like and whether it would be affordable for everyday people. Learn about the world's oldest mice with the youngest eyes. We discuss the Yamanaka genes and how they can be utilized to turn back time on a cellular level. Is DNA destiny? Thanks to our Patrons Jason L, Daniel Holzmann, Anne P Vance, Unknown, Myles G Blanton, Paul A. Straus, and Gregory Dees for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Introduction - David Sinclair 02:28 - What Are Epigenetics? 5:03 - Is Aging A Disease? 7:33 - Information Theory of Aging 9:31 - Epigenetic Inheritance 15:23 - Do Some People Age Differently? 16:56 - Could We Never Die? 21:13 - Is DNA Our Destiny? 22:23 - Aging in the Animal Kingdom 24:30 - Curing Blindness 27:29 - Telomere Length, OSK Therapy, & The Hallmarks of Aging 30:35 - StarTalk Patreon 32:18 - Can You Cure Aging? 34:25 - Neil Wants Immortal Mice 36:58 - Using AI for Gene Therapy 38:17 - NAD & Yamanaka Genes 40:48 - Biological Stress & Lifestyle Effects on Aging 45:23 - Closing Thoughts