Can we Slow the Speed of Aging? Biological Age & Epigenetics - Varun Dwaraka, PhD

Nick Sterling, MD, PhD

Can we slow the speed of aging? In this episode, Dr. Varun Dwaraka, Head of Bioinformatics at TruDiagnostic, walks us through through the science of measuring "biological age" using epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation. We discuss how epigenetics (i.e. DNA methylation), may provide biomarkers of biological age, the rate at which aging occurs, and potentially early markers of disease. Dr. Dwaraka explains the distinctions between chronological and biological age, the development and refinement of epigenetic clocks, and the potential applications of these tools in aging interventions. The conversation also addresses the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, the influence of lifestyle factors on biological age, and the future role of epigenetics in predicting and managing age-related diseases. Additionally, we examine the data science that underpins these clocks, their targeted outcomes, and a recent study published by Dr. Dwaraka and colleagues comparing aging biomarker outcomes in a vegan vs. omnivore diet intervention among twins. Chapters: 00:00 - Biological Age & Epigenetics 01:07 - What is Biological Age? 03:34 - Rate of Aging (aka. Speed of Aging) 05:28 - Epigenetics and Aging 11:14 - How the Epigenome Changes Over Time 18:26 - The Evolution of Epigenetic Clocks 24:49 - Understanding the Horvath Clock 30:03 - New Generations of Aging Clocks 34:07 - The Impact of Lifestyle on Biological Age 42:13 - The Future of Epigenetics in Predicting Disease 50:34 - Practical Applications of Epigenetic Testing 57:43 - The Role of Multi-Omics in Understanding Aging 01:07:34 - The Rejuvenation Olympics and the Future of Anti-Aging Social & Website: Instagram - / sterlingmdphd Twitter - / sterlingmdphd Facebook - / sterlingmdphd TikTok - / sterlingmdphd Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqT Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TDUK3F... Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3Olanei References & Show Notes: http://www.nicksterling.com/ The content of this podcast is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The content of this podcast is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use.