Ep. 42 - Why we age, die and don't rise from the deep freeze - with Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize winner of 2009

Alter, was geht?

“The invention of ways to increase human longevity is the world's second-oldest profession, or maybe even the first,” the biologist Leonard Hayflick once said. However, despite a lot of improvements over time, we still have to die.

Is that actually necessary or is eternal life in reach? What are the reasons for ageing and dying and how can we prolong life? Are we going to freeze and resurrect or to be uploaded to a cloud as the Silicon Valley tech prophets believe? If not, how should society deal with death? And last but not least: if cells are like cities, what can our cities learn from cells?

Enjoy the latest episode of Alter, was geht? and feel free to leave a review or comment!

If you are interested in the book (strong recommendation!), you'll find it in your local book store: Venki Ramakrishnan (2024): Why we die.

#longevity #oldage #antiaging #transhumanism

(05:13) Understanding Aging: The Process and Its Implications

(08:04) Analogies of Life: Cities and Cells

(10:59) The Paradox of Aging and Reproduction

(13:49) The Quest for Longevity: Limits and Possibilities

(16:53) Fun Facts and Insights on Aging

(19:35) Cryonics and Transhumanism: Myths and Realities

(22:36) Societal Views on Death and Aging

(23:49) Prolonging Healthspan vs Lifespan

(24:35) Practical Advice for Healthy Aging