Aging is a complex, universal condition leading to
the functional decline of all cells and organisms, and to major national and global
public health problems.
Although aging is the major risk factor for developing most adult-onset diseases, systematic investigations into
the fundamental physiology, biology and genetics of aging are only just beginning.
IN THE MEDIA
Several Einstein faculty members and their research are featured in a National Geographic cover story on the potential genetic roots of longevity. Harry Ostrer, M.D., Roee Holtzer, Ph.D., and Nir Barzilai, M.D., are quoted, providing insight into the some likely genetic factors of healthy aging and the varied physiological and behavioral outcomes of these factors. Ongoing epigenetic investigations by Francine Einstein, M.D. and John Greally, M.B.B.Ch, Ph.D., are also highlighted, as is Dr. Holtzer’s collaborator Joe Verghese, M.B.B.S.
(Thursday, April 18, 2013)Richard Dawkins interviews Nir Bazilai, M.D., on U.K. TV about the trade-off between living longer and having fewer children. (Segment begins at 28:15) Mr. Dawkins, an English evolutionary biologist and author, also interviews Irving Kahn, a participant in Dr. Barzilai's The Longevity Genes Project, in his new series titled "Sex, Death and the Meaning of Life." Dr. Barzilai is the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research and director of the Institute for Aging Research.
(Wednesday, October 31, 2012)Nature.com interviews Nir Barzilai, M.D., about a surprising new study in primates that found severe calorie restriction did not lead to longer life. Dr. Barzilai notes that genetics is more important than diet and lifestyle for the centenarians who he has studied as part of The Longevity Genes Project. Dr. Barzilai is the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research and director of the Institute for Aging Research.
(Thursday, August 30, 2012)In a Reuters article, Nir Barzilai, M.D., describes the genetic edge centenarians have and the promise of whole genome sequencing to uncover it. Dr. Barzilai, who heads Einstein’s Longevity Genes Project, helped develop the Archon Genomics X-Prize, which will award $100 million to the first team to sequence the complete genomes of 100 centenarians within 30 days. Dr. Barzilai is the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research and director of the Institute for Aging Research.
(Monday, July 23, 2012)CBS Sunday Morning explores recent advances in the science of aging, including insights uncovered by Nir Barzilai, M.D., through his Longevity Genes Project. Dr. Barzilai’s ongoing study of over 500 healthy centenarians has demonstrated that most of the participants have a genetic advantage over the rest of the population that allows them to avoid age-related diseases. Dr. Barzilai is the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research and director of the Institute for Aging Research. (Dr. Barzilai’s section begins 3 minutes into the segment.)
(Monday, July 09, 2012)