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CROSS-TAXA ANALYSIS. “Thanks to recent large-scale genome sequencing efforts, the genomes of multiple species have been sequenced and can be used for cross-species comparisons to study species divergence in longevity. By analyzing proteins under accelerated evolution in several mammalian lineages where maximum lifespan increased, we identified genes and processes that are candidate targets of selection when longevity evolves.” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-011-9361-y View in LinkedIn

MANY APPROACHES to slowing aging are being explored by researchers, ranging from telomere modulators, stem cells and modulators, caloric restriction, antioxidants, hormones, to oxidative metabolism strategies. This relatively new field is finding, not surprisingly, that the complex process of aging is multifactorial, but also that it appears malleable. The fact that some creatures show apparent immortality suggests that there are options. View in LinkedIn

TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR CANDIDATES. “FoxO transcription factors promote longevity across taxa. How they do so is poorly understood. In contrast to previous studies suggesting that DAF-16F plays a more prominent role in life span control than DAF-16A, isoform-specific daf-16/FoxO mutant phenotypes and whole transcriptome profiling revealed a predominant role for DAF-16A over DAF-16F in life span control, stress resistance, and target gene regulation.” https://lnkd.in/eP_v6ZE View in LinkedIn

CHANGING EVOLUTION. “Darpa is looking to re-write the laws of evolution to the military’s advantage, creating “synthetic organisms” that can live forever — or can be killed with the flick of a molecular switch. As part of its budget for the next year, Darpa is investing $6 million into a project called BioDesign, with the goal of eliminating “the randomness of natural evolutionary advancement.” https://lnkd.in/dr8DZSH View in LinkedIn

CONSERVED CANDIDATE GENES. “A comparative genomics approach found longevity genes conserved between yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We hypothesised that these longevity genes influence variance in cognitive ability and age-related cognitive decline in humans.” https://lnkd.in/eswdkPD View in LinkedIn

DARPA SEEKS CELLULAR CLOCK MECHANISM. "It could also make it possible to put astronauts into hibernation before firing them at Mars or other planets, or even - perhaps - to offer hugely extended human lifespan: Additionally, a greater understanding of molecular oscillators and the evolution of biological clocks will lead to fundamental advancements in developmental science, drug development, aging, and cell death." http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/07/19/darpa_sleep_research/ View in LinkedIn

DARPA SEEKS LIFE EXTENSION. "The "Biochronicity" programme will find a way to understand and predict "temporal features of biological systems". After two years, DARPA hopes to move to Phase II, which aims to conduct Live Fire Tests. Should the research prove practicable, it could be used to put injured soldiers into effective suspended animation." https://lnkd.in/dsbyDDh View in LinkedIn

CAPITAL FUEL. “Human Longevity, Inc. raised more than $220 million. It has previously raised $80 million in its Series A offering which closed in Summer 2014. (2015). https://lnkd.in/dKgF-_9 View in LinkedIn

VENTURE-BACKED EFFORT. “In his latest effort, Venter and backers announced the $70 million start of Human Longevity Inc. (HLI), a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, and other scientific organizations. "HLI is going to change the way medicine is practiced by helping to shift to a more preventive, genomic-based medicine model which we believe will lower healthcare costs. Our goal is not necessarily lengthening life, but extending a healthier, high performing, more productive life span. This is Celera on steroids and cocaine." Co-founders include Craig Venter, Ph.D., Robert Hariri, M.D., Ph.D., and Peter H. Diamandis, M.D. https://lnkd.in/dkR6ua5 View in LinkedIn

ANOTHER ANTI-AGING STRATEGY. "By tricking the cell into thinking it’s young again, with adequate amounts of NAD, aging can theoretically be reversed. “When we give the molecule, the cells think oxygen levels are normal and everything revs back up again." During aging, NAD drops 50%. http://healthland.time.com/2013/12/19/reversing-aging-not-as-crazy-as-you-think/ View in LinkedIn