The idea is to die young as late as possible.
—Ashley Montagu (1905-1999)
Before 1990 research on aging was a slow-moving backwater, and the pursuit of anti-aging drugs was dominated by charlatans. But the discovery circa 1990 of gene mutations that can double life span in animals revealed that the rate of aging is astoundingly plastic and, just as surprising, is controlled by genes that are almost as old as life itself. The discovery of such “gerontogenes” inspired a wave of ambitious young biologists to join the search for the molecular roots of aging. Over the past decade, their work has transformed gerontology into one of the new century’s hottest disciplines and yielded electrifying insights on how to brake aging. Anti-aging drugs are now clearly on the horizon—some may already be available. Importantly, they should increase health span as well as life span.
The Youth Pill tells the story of these momentous developments and the scientists behind them, revealing how seemingly unconnected findings on anti-aging genes, the life-extending effect of near-starvation diets (calorie restriction), the link between dwarfism and longevity, the secrets of weirdly long-lived animals, and revelations from the study of human centenarians are coming together in a way that promises to radically shrink death’s dominion. Without oversimplifying or dodging controversy, the book lucidly analyzes what science has to say about compounds that have shown anti-aging promise, including resveratrol, the famous red-wine ingredient, and rapamycin, the first drug to convincingly extend life span in mammals. The Youth Pill also explores the larger social and economic implications of anti-aging drugs, which may be upon us earlier than many realize.
The Secret Killer
Fortune story on how insidious, low-level inflammation is a major culprit behind many diseases of aging, from Alzheimer’s to cancer to heart disease.
Hell No, We Won’t Go
Fortune story on the trend toward longer life span and its implications.
Live a Lot Longer
Fortune story on how new insights on aging are informing the quest for anti-aging drugs.
About the Book
The idea is to die young as late as possible.
—Ashley Montagu (1905-1999)
Before 1990 research on aging was a slow-moving backwater, and the pursuit of anti-aging drugs was dominated by charlatans. But the discovery circa 1990 of gene mutations that can double life span in animals revealed that the rate of aging is astoundingly plastic and, just as surprising, is controlled by genes that are almost as old as life itself. The discovery of such “gerontogenes” inspired a wave of ambitious young biologists to join the search for the molecular roots of aging. Over the past decade, their work has transformed gerontology into one of the new century’s hottest disciplines and yielded electrifying insights on how to brake aging. Anti-aging drugs are now clearly on the horizon—some may already be available. Importantly, they should increase health span as well as life span.
The Youth Pill tells the story of these momentous developments and the scientists behind them, revealing how seemingly unconnected findings on anti-aging genes, the life-extending effect of near-starvation diets (calorie restriction), the link between dwarfism and longevity, the secrets of weirdly long-lived animals, and revelations from the study of human centenarians are coming together in a way that promises to radically shrink death’s dominion. Without oversimplifying or dodging controversy, the book lucidly analyzes what science has to say about compounds that have shown anti-aging promise, including resveratrol, the famous red-wine ingredient, and rapamycin, the first drug to convincingly extend life span in mammals. The Youth Pill also explores the larger social and economic implications of anti-aging drugs, which may be upon us earlier than many realize.
Related articles
Obesity—Not Aging—Balloons Healthcare Costs
Miller-McCune piece on the costs of aging vs. obesity, and the need to invest in anti-aging research.
Why Anti-Aging Science Really Matters
Huffington Post piece based on The Youth Pill.
The Youth Pill: It’s closer than you think.
Maclean’s cover story based on a Q&A aboutThe Youth Pill.
The anti-aging revolution
Fortune excerpt from The Youth Pill.
The Youth Pill
The Scientist excerpt from The Youth Pill.
Naked mole-rats and the antioxidant myth
Boing Boing excerpt from The Youth Pill.
Drink Wine and Live Longer
Fortune cover story on Sirtris Pharmaceuticals.
Researchers Seek Key to Antiaging in Calorie Cutback
Wall Street Journal front-pager on resveratrol’s ability to mimic some anti-aging effects of calorie restriction in mice.
The Secret Killer
Fortune story on how insidious, low-level inflammation is a major culprit behind many diseases of aging, from Alzheimer’s to cancer to heart disease.
Hell No, We Won’t Go
Fortune story on the trend toward longer life span and its implications.
Live a Lot Longer
Fortune story on how new insights on aging are informing the quest for anti-aging drugs.
Buy the Book
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Borders
800-CEO-READ (good for bulk orders)