Nir Barzilai, MDRenowned aging expert Dr. Nir Barzilai was invited as a speaker at "Regenerative Medicine: A Fundamental Shift in Science," the Second International Adult Stem Cell Conference at The Vatican, April 11-13, 2013.
Dr. Barzilai participated in a panel discussion entitled "How a Genetic Mutation Can Increase Life Span and Prevent Cancer and Diabetes". Moderated by WCBS-TV correspondent Dr. Max Gomez, the panel examined fascinating case studies on longevity and disease resistance, including patients with Laron syndrome (dwarfism) and their absence of cancer and chronic disease.
Dr. Barzilai is the director of the Institute for Aging Research, the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Human Aging Research, and the National Institutes of Health’s Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. He is the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research, professor in the Departments of Medicine and Genetics, and member of the Diabetes Research Center and of the Divisions of Endocrinology & Diabetes and Geriatrics. His research interests focus on key mechanisms involved in the biology of aging, including the effects of the environment (mainly nutrients) on extending life and the genetic determinants of lifespan. He discovered the first "longevity gene" in humans and is further characterizing the phenotype and genotype of humans with exceptional longevity through a NIH-supported Program Project.
Sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Stem for Life Foundation, NeoStem, Inc,, and STOQ International, the Vatican conference brought together stem cell researchers, educators, policy experts, ethicists, patients, and religious officials with the goals of understanding adult stem cell therapies and the interconnections between research, faith, ethics and culture; fostering an open dialogue to identify medical needs worldwide that can be addressed through the development of cellular therapies; expanding global awareness of the here-and-now applications of adult stem cell therapies; and laying the groundwork for collaboration and subsequent educational events.