David Coello
CEO/CTO

Julie Feeks
Research Director

Tatyana Abramyan
Operations Director

Longevity research, also known as aging research or gerontology, is a multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation focused on understanding the biological processes and mechanisms underlying aging and extending the healthy lifespan of individuals. The goal of longevity research is to promote healthy aging, delay the onset of age-related diseases, and improve the quality of life in old age.

Here are some key aspects of longevity research:

Biological Aging Mechanisms: Longevity research seeks to identify and understand the fundamental biological processes contributing to aging. This includes investigating genetic, cellular, metabolic, and molecular factors involved in aging.
Genetics of Aging: Researchers study the genetic determinants of aging, including genes associated with longevity and susceptibility to age-related diseases. Some studies involve examining the genomes of individuals with exceptional longevity (centenarians and supercentenarians) to identify longevity-related genetic variants.
Cellular Senescence: Cellular senescence is a state in which cells lose their ability to divide and function properly, contributing to aging and age-related diseases. Longevity research aims to understand the mechanisms of cellular senescence and find ways to delay or reverse it.
Inflammation and Immunity: Chronic inflammation and immune system dysregulation are standard aging features. Researchers investigate how these factors influence aging and contribute to age-related diseases.
Caloric Restriction and Dietary Interventions: Caloric restriction, as well as specific diets (e.g., Mediterranean diet), have been studied for their potential to extend lifespan and improve health in old age.
Lifestyle Factors: Longevity research examines the impact of lifestyle choices such as physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and social connections on aging and longevity.
Pharmacological Interventions: Researchers explore using drugs and compounds, such as senolytics (drugs that target senescent cells), to extend a healthy lifespan and delay age-related diseases.
Telomeres: Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. Studying telomeres and telomerase, an enzyme that can lengthen telomeres, is a focus of longevity research.
Biomedical Interventions: Emerging biotechnologies, including gene editing and regenerative medicine, offer the potential to rejuvenate tissues and organs and combat the effects of aging.
Ethical and Societal Implications: Longevity research raises ethical questions about the potential for extending human lifespan and the associated societal, economic, and healthcare challenges.
Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are conducted to test interventions that may extend lifespan or improve health in old age. These trials often involve candidate drugs, therapies, or lifestyle interventions.

Longevity research has gained increased attention in recent years due to the aging populations in many parts of the world and the desire to address an aging society’s health and economic implications. While significant progress has been made in understanding the biology of aging and identifying potential interventions, the field continues to evolve, and many questions remain unanswered. Ethical considerations and societal discussions about the implications of extending the human lifespan are also ongoing aspects of longevity research.

dcoello