Ep 2. Can We Live Forever?

In episode 2 of season 5 of NOVA scienceNOW, titled "Can We Live Forever?", host David Pogue delves into the science behind the age-old quest for eternal life.

The episode begins by exploring the cutting-edge research being done in the field of regenerative medicine, where scientists are using stem cells to repair damaged tissues and organs in the human body. Pogue speaks with Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, who is studying the regenerative capabilities of planarians, a type of flatworm that can regrow its entire body from just a tiny fragment. They also visit the lab of Dr. Patrick Hsu, who is using CRISPR gene-editing technology to manipulate the DNA of cells and potentially cure genetic diseases.

The show then shifts focus to the field of anti-aging research, where scientists are looking for ways to not just extend lifespan, but also increase healthspan - the period of life where a person is healthy and free from disease. Pogue meets with Dr. Nir Barzilai, who is leading the TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) study, which is testing the effectiveness of the type 2 diabetes drug metformin in prolonging healthspan. Pogue also explores the world of dietary supplements and vitamins that claim to have anti-aging properties, speaking with experts who caution that these claims are often exaggerated.

The episode then takes a darker turn, examining the ethical and social implications of a world where humans could potentially live forever. Pogue speaks with bioethicist Dr. Matthew Liao, who warns of a potential "immortality divide" in society, where only the wealthy elite would have access to life-extending technologies. Pogue also explores the idea of "mind uploading", where a person's consciousness could be uploaded to a computer or robotic body, potentially allowing for eternal life in a non-biological form.

Overall, "Can We Live Forever?" is a thought-provoking exploration of the science and ethics behind humanity's quest for eternal life. Through interviews with leading experts in the fields of regenerative medicine, anti-aging research, and bioethics, Pogue offers a well-rounded view of the current state of the field and the possibilities - and potential pitfalls - of a future where humans live forever.