Harvard geneticist and longevity researcher David Sinclair is widely seen as a trailblazer in his field, having founded various companies and garnering an enthusiastic following. But in February 2024 he caused outrage among other scientists when he claimed his team had created the first supplement “proven to reverse aging” in dogs.
Sinclair’s lab employed harmless viruses to deliver Yamanaka factors that induce adult cells back into stem cell status. These stem cells can regenerate damaged neurons in eyes, brain tissue and muscles.
1. Diet
Harvard Genetics Professor David Sinclair asserts that his lifestyle approach has enabled his body to operate like it were decades younger. He credits this feat to practices including eating high protein/low-carbohydrate diet and taking daily doses of NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). Furthermore, frequent use of InsideTracker app was essential in his success.
Sinclair, an esteemed anti-aging scientist, is best known for his research into longevity genes and sirtuins – as well as for writing his best-selling book Lifespan on this subject. His lab pioneered work identifying NAD biosynthesis’s role in lifespan regulation; they have since utilized sirtuin-related issues such as aging, epigenetics, energy metabolism mitochondria learning memory cancer.
Sinclair and her team’s latest research, published in Aging journal, shows how they were able to reverse key hallmarks of skin cell aging in human and mouse skin cells by rejuvenating senescent (cells that have stopped multiplying) without altering their identity or altering them permanently. Furthermore, this discovery, along with high-throughput cell-based assays used to identify chemicals capable of rejuvenating senescent cells is an exciting advance towards finding a true Fountain of Youth.
Scientists are making headlines once again after claiming they can reverse aging processes in cells, and this time could prove especially significant. Reversing human cell aging could potentially provide cures for various diseases while lengthening lifespan.
However, this research is at an early stage and its results would take many more years before being replicated in humans. We can only hope that these findings inspire further investment into anti-ageing science and result in the creation of effective treatments against aging.
At present, one of the best ways to slow the aging process is to consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while participating in regular physical activity. Sleep is also key and stress reduction should also be prioritized.
2. Exercise
Harvard professor and molecular biologist David Sinclair is an influential voice in longevity research, yet has made controversial claims regarding how to reverse aging – something which has caused friction with other biologists, including some close to him.
Dr. Charles Brenner of City of Hope has criticised Sinclair for overselling scientific findings and making grandiose statements that lack supporting evidence. Brenner and Sinclair both work for companies selling supplements containing nicotinamide riboside, or NR, which is thought to promote longevity in animals. Furthermore, both are investors in MetroBiotech as well as co-founders of non-profit Academy for Health and Lifespan Research so their ties between each other are undeniable.
Researchers recently conducted a groundbreaking study, finding that by administering synthetic precursors of two naturally produced molecules in mice’s bodies, they could reverse aging-related blood vessel demise and muscle atrophy. Their team intends to extend this research to humans as well.
The team discovered that when they administered NR and NMN to mouse cells, it switched on genes which helped slow aging while revitalizing organs and improving vision and longevity. Furthermore, scientists believe if applied in humans it could reverse many age-related diseases while lengthening lives according to The Washington Post.
However, as Paul Knoepfler of UC Davis reviewed this paper and its results are preliminary, according to Paul. Knoepfler has reviewed this study’s publication in an unrefereed journal and finds its findings promising, yet not groundbreaking; nonetheless it could provide a good starting point for further study and should not be discounted outright.
Sinclair is passionate about his own work, and believes he has successfully reduced his inner age (based on DNA tests) through four simple daily habits. Each morning begins with peppermint mouthwash followed by one or two cups of green matcha tea which contains polyphenols proven to prevent rodent aging, followed by eating a small breakfast of yogurt mixed with resveratrol before working most of his day at his standing desk desk.
3. Sleep
Many people underestimate the significance of sleep on both their physical and mental wellbeing. A restful night’s rest can help restore energy levels, contributing to greater alertness and energetic living while also contributing to healthier skin tone, reduced risk of age-related diseases, and overall improved wellbeing.
Sleep deprivation was found to accelerate epigenetic ageing by directly altering cellular signaling pathways, producing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) which damage mitochondrial DNA and other cell structures – potentially explaining why chronic insomniacs age faster.
Sinclair’s research is dedicated to finding ways to slow, stop, or reverse biological aging. He and his team believe we will eventually be able to do this through manipulation of genes; their team have successfully turned off gene expression that causes mice to age more rapidly while developing techniques for doing the same with muscles, brains, and eyes.
Claim of his being able to “reverse aging” has led to some criticism in the longevity community. Although he has built several biotechnology companies aimed at lengthening human lifespan and has garnered accolades, critics claim his claims go too far; Animal Biosciences issued a statement distancing itself from such claims; longevity medicine is an emerging field that’s drawing billions in investments from wealthy execs.
4. Stress Reduction
David Sinclair, a Harvard professor and longtime advocate of longevity research, recently made some eye-opening statements regarding his work. Most recently he announced that researchers have developed a chemical cocktail capable of reversing the signs of aging in animals; their team published their results in a scientific journal; using screening technology they identified six chemical concoctions capable of rejuvenating older or damaged skin cells in both human and mouse skin cells – something their screening method had enabled them to do successfully.
Research by this team shows how these compounds can reset biological clocks and improve overall health, such as increasing lifespans and cognitive performance in mice. Their hope is that eventually this discovery could become a “Fountain of Youth” pill; to begin testing these six chemicals on various animal species such as dogs and monkeys. If successful results emerge from testing the team would begin clinical trials in humans.
Sinclair and his team worked on this project for more than three years and managed to show that they can regrow old cells in mice and monkeys without altering their cellular identity or harming surrounding tissue, an achievement never before possible due to science’s inability to achieve such feats. It represents an impressive milestone as prior scientific attempts had failed miserably at doing this feat.
Though the results appear positive, other biologists remain cautious of such claims of reverse aging. Matt Kaeberlein from University of California Los Angeles suggests that one or more chemicals be tested against animal models before making such claims about reversing it.
Sinclair has earned his place as an influential voice in anti-aging circles and an outspoken proponent of longevity hacking, thanks to his lifestyle practices which are also anti-ageing: He forgoes sugar, alcohol and meat; drinks green tea rich in polyphenols and works at a standing desk throughout his day; according to DNA testing he believes his biological age is about 10 years younger than chronological age, thus showing reversing aging is within the reach of anyone willing to give it a go.