This was supposed to be the great equalizer. A kid in rural China could learn the same physics as a university student at MIT. A teenager in Appalachia could master programming without ever stepping foot in a university. If access was the problem, the internet fixed it.

Of course, that was the theory. Does the world today feel to you like it’s full of geniuses?

Here is what actually happened: we got social media feeds, attention economies, and infinite scrolling. The same people that were supposed to self educate to become geniuses, turned out to prefer 15 second videos of strangers dancing.

The Internet’s Broken Promise

Think about the 2010s. Khan Academy. MIT OpenCourseWare. Wikipedia. Stack Overflow. YouTube tutorials on literally everything from quantum mechanics to plumbing. The entire curriculum of a world class education, accessible from a phone.

Some people used it that way. Autodidacts taught themselves to code, to design, to build companies and so on. The internet created real opportunities for the very small percentage of people who had initiative. Everyone else got Facebook.

Futurists and utopians quite often miss this. Access to information is necessary for learning, but it is nowhere near sufficient. Learning requires sustained attention, practice, tolerance for frustration, and the ability to delay gratification. No amount of clicking on Instagram is going to give those to you.

The platforms figured this out very quickly. Engagement became the one metric to optimize. The algorithms learned to serve what people wanted in the moment, which is almost never what would make them smarter, healthier, or more capable. And so the internet became a mirror of human nature, and human nature chose entertainment over education for the vast majority of people.

The Pattern Repeats

Of course this was the same pattern that happened over the entire 20th century. Every major communication breakthrough was the same.

Radio was going to democratize education. In the 1920s, universities launched radio stations expecting millions of eager listeners to tune in for lectures on literature and science. Within a decade, soap operas and variety shows dominated the airwaves. The educational stations went bankrupt.

Television was going to be the great classroom. The FCC reserved channels specifically for educational programming. Newton Minow, the FCC chairman, famously called commercial television a “vast wasteland” in 1961. How did that turn out?

And here we are again. A new medium appears. Visionaries predict it will elevate humanity. The medium gets adopted. It gets used primarily for entertainment and convenience. A small minority uses it for genuine growth. The majority does not. And we have yet another disappointment.

Enter AI Agents, Same Script, New Cast

Now, if you have spent any time on X or LinkedIn you are probably tired of hearing about AI agents. Every job will be automated. Everyone will become a 10x worker. Entire industries will be restructured overnight. We are about to see the greatest productivity revolution in human history, blah, blah, blah.

Of course these are the same exaggerations that they said about the internet . Swap “browser” for “AI agent” and “information” for “automation” and you will not see the difference.

The same predictions. The assumption that access to powerful tools automatically translates into powerful outcomes.

Spoiler alert. It won’t.

Here is what will happen instead. AI agents will become widely available. They will be genuinely capable. They will be able to write code, write documents, analyze data, manage schedules, and automate repetitive tasks. The tools will be real and impressive.

And most people will use them the way they use the internet: for convenience, for shortcuts, for doing the same things slightly faster. They will generate email replies and summarize meetings and create passable first drafts of things they would have written themselves anyway.

A small percentage of people will use AI to do extraordinary things. They will build new products, accelerate research, automate entire workflows, and create leverage that was previously impossible. These people will capture enormous value, no question about that. These are the same kind of people who taught themselves to code from YouTube tutorials in 2012. But the vast majority of people won’t. Mark my words.

The Real Lesson

Technology is an amplifier of intent. The printing press amplified the ambitions of the literate. Radio amplified the reach of the charismatic. The internet amplified the curiosity of the self directed. AI will amplify the productivity of the agentic.

The constraint on human achievement has always been agency. Agency and discipline, not access to tools. Giving everyone access to all of human knowledge did not produce a generation of geniuses. It produced a generation of scrollers and a tiny few polymaths.

AI will follow the same distribution. The people who are already intentional about their work will get dramatically more effective. The people who are coasting will coast with fancier tools. The aggregate productivity numbers will tick up. The revolution will be quieter and will happen slower than most AI pundits are predicting.

So What?

None of this means AI is overhyped in terms of capability. The technology is genuinely transformative. I’m an AI startup founder myself and a true believer in the power of AI to solve human problems.

The mistake is assuming that transformative technology automatically transforms everyone who touches it. It doesn’t now and it never has.

The internet put the Library of Alexandria in every pocket. Most people used it to argue with strangers and watch cat videos. AI will put a brilliant, tireless assistant at everyone’s fingertips. Most people will use it to avoid thinking.

And a few people, the ones who were going to do remarkable things anyway, will use it to do those things faster and at a greater scale. And probably that’s enough.

In the beginning there was homo sapiens, then hunter-gatherer tribes, then agriculture, slavery and feudalism. Land, and the natural resources in it (capital), was the basis of all wealth and power. Most people (serfs) belonged to the land. And the value of a serf was the work they could perform on the land. Then came the industrial revolution which required smart, educated workers. And the value of the land (or more broadly capital) decreased in comparison to the value of work. Now, we have intelligence too cheap to measure. And soon we will have robotic platforms that enable these intelligences to perceive and act on the real world, to do real work. And the shift of power will violently snap back to capital.

In a feudalistic society there was very little social mobility. Social mobility is a result of opportunities to perform valuable work and accumulate capital. If there is no valuable labor available, or if it’s not available for most humans, that means no accumulation of capital is possible.

Serfdom wasn’t quite slavery, but it wasn’t too far off. People couldn’t be sold or traded independently from the land. But they owed labor to the lord (capital owner). The alternative was death, or living outside of the confines of society, at the mercy of criminals or warring warlords. No lord meant no protection.

We are entering again a period of limited social mobility. Capital is becoming more important than labor. But there are limited opportunities to accumulate capital, and to rise up in the social ladder of capital accumulation. The most profitable jobs, which typically rely on intelligence, are also the most likely to be automated.

Throughout feudalism, legitimacy was important; nobody ruled alone! That is also changing. Technology makes human participation to maintain societal systems less necessary. Moreover, societies as a whole seem to have become much more passive. As long as basic needs are fulfilled, they seem uninterested in defending their rights or upholding standards of morality or governance.

In the United States, for example, recent revelations have made it completely clear that a broad spectrum of lawmakers at the highest levels have engaged in immoral, illegal and treasonous activities. To the disgust of anyone who bothers to inform themselves. Nevertheless, nothing was done about it. Nobody was arrested, nobody was punished.

Of course they would not prosecute themselves. But what’s really shocking, is the level of passiveness of the broader population as a whole. A few centuries ago, many would have revolted against relatively minor grievances. Today it seems no crime is bad enough to cause uproar. Bread and circus.

Western societies have become so domesticated that even the most despicable crimes don’t seem to trigger any social upheaval. There is not even a need for governments to pretend they have a moral justification to govern.

The comparison between 1984 and Brave New World has been so overdone that it has become a cliche. But that doesn’t make it any less valid. Modern Western civilization was not subjugated by an iron fist and a boot in the neck. But domesticated through toxic food, overmedication, porn addiction, 24/7 entertainment (dopamine hijacking), breakdown of nuclear family relationship dynamics, and dependency on the state for the most fundamental human tasks, maintaining health, educating children, associating with each other, accumulating capital and so on. We have become human cattle.

During feudalism there was a small number of holders of all knowledge. In Europe, that was the Church, which had a monopoly on knowledge and legitimacy. Most people could not read or write, and relied on priests to tell them how to live life, and to know what is true and what is not.

In the future, most people will learn through AI assistants. Few will do research from original sources, spending vastly more time and cost. And even fewer will question the knowledge or persuasiveness of AI assistants.

But there is a path that goes from knowledge to morality. So, a complete oversight of knowledge will result in a morality system determined by those same AI assistants. And there is a real risk that societies will simply outsource the truth. There is a great story which showcases this danger, called “Manna” by Marshall Brain, where little by little, automation takes over day to day life, and suddenly people lose the ability to think by themselves.

In the middle ages, during feudalism, there was a revolution in military technology. Heavy cavalry dominated warfare. But armor and horses were expensive, and inaccessible to everybody but the elite. Even more, it required extensive training to proficiently use these technologies. One consequence was that serfs could not realistically rebel against a prepared landowner.

It was only after gunpowder and firearms were developed that military technology became democratized and enabled modern democracy.

Today, humans are still required to operate military equipment. Especially for tasks such as securing urban populations. That is quickly changing. Drones will soon be entirely AI controlled, and will be sufficient to keep cities under control.

War has changed to rely more and more on autonomous systems. No human will be required to operate modern warfare equipment, which will make sure that governments, and more broadly capital owners will be able to enforce a monopoly on violence. A serf rebellion will be physically impossible against an army of AI drones.

Throughout feudalism the value of a human life was fairly low. Serfs were a bit like cattle, indistinguishable from each other, and could always be replaced.

After a few centuries of individual freedoms and human rights, we are unfortunately going back. Producers and consumers will still be tolerated, for now. But any dissension will be instantaneously noticed and suppressed. Individuals will be de-platformed, de-banked, unlinked from modern society, if not directly neutralized.

It is still unclear whether this will happen throughout the entire world, or just Western societies. For the good or for the bad, collectivist societies may be able to navigate this transition better than the individualist societies.

So-called democratic governments in individualistic societies have been in many cases taken over by special interests. Mostly doing the bidding of capital owners rather than the citizens they are supposed to represent. Examples are abundant for anyone who reads the news.

The effects are easily appreciated by comparing quality of life a couple of decades ago vs. today. What was not taken by tax was taken by inflation. And slowly the quality of life deteriorated.

Meanwhile, in other collectivist countries, in which the GDP per capita may nominally be lower, people seem to enjoy a better quality of life. Lower cost housing, healthier food, and more available healthcare for a lower percentage of disposable income.

Even if it hurts to admit, maybe the winner-take-all dynamics in Western capitalistic societies have not been truly successful. And a more constrained economic model, with a focus on public social good is a more sustainable model for human development. At least in their case, they seem to have a government for the people, instead of “of the people”.

One final thought about feudalism. Back then there was an escape route. The discovery of the Americas opened an entire continent of opportunity and freedom. That will not happen again. Ours may be the last generation of humans to broadly enjoy freedom, but the clock is ticking. The time to prepare is now. There is nowhere left to run.

For many years that was a dream. No system was even remotely smart enough to overcome that test. And then in a few years we blew past that level of performance. It’s becoming almost impossible to know when a voice is real or synthetically generated. And sometimes it’s even hard to know when a video of a person is real or not. In a few short years it will be essentially impossible to trust any digital media.

By that definition we have already reached AGI (artificial general intelligence), in the sense that an average human just cannot differentiate. Notice the mention of average human. The definition was never “can a world-class expert identify the machine or human” or “can a team of elite engineers and scientists indicate whether it’s a machine or a human”. The definition was can an average human detect it.

I never liked that definition. So here is another one, an AGI is a system that can independently perform economically useful work in an equivalent way that an average human can.

So I don’t mean a computer program that can make money. We’ve had many computer programs that generate millions or billions of dollars. I mean a system that can perform similar jobs than an average human can. An uber delivery driver (self-driving cars are getting there), a seller at a clothing store (robotics are not mature enough to fold clothes and move items), a bookkeeper (LLMs can probably already do this job already, they can read PDFs and edit spreadsheets). But in general I don’t think we are quite there yet. There is a bit of learning that happens in humans, over years of living in a physical world, formal and informal education and on-the-job training. LLMs can’t do that yet.

We are not far off though. And here is why I think the definition is useful. Because it makes it obvious that when LLMs or other types of still-to-be-made systems reach that level we will need as a society to rethink how people will make a living. Humans lived for many years as hunter-gatherers, simply living off nature. Then agriculture was discovered and we created villages, and jobs. And the way to make a living for most people since then was to work (for themselves or others) to get money or resources to trade. That model of human existence is ending very soon.

First, keep in mind that we humans are amateurs at longevity. Take the bowhead whale, which casually swims around for over 200 years like it’s no big deal. Or the Greenland shark, they were already ancient when Beethoven was composing his symphonies. And don’t get me started on hydras, those tiny, jelly-like creatures that seem to have decided aging is for suckers. Turtles? Sure, they’re slow, but they will live for over two hundred years. And while we’re admiring these overachievers, let’s not forget some trees outlive civilizations. A bristlecone pine would probably laugh at your 150 year ambition if it could be bothered to.

Beyond taking inspiration from nature, there are lots of recent discoveries that inspire research on longevity, and in particular the types of damages that happen in humans that eventually aggregate into what we call aging. For example, how senescent cells (zombie cells that refuse to die) clog up normal function, stem cells lose their regenerative properties, mitochondrial dysfunction starts sapping energy out of cells, and cellular garbage like amyloids builds up over time and so on. If you think the cells in your body are tidy, think again. Aging is like hoarding, but instead of old newspapers and cat statues, your cells are stockpiling toxic junk.

But we sure know many treatments that extend lifespan in other species. Caloric restriction, for example, it has extended the lives of lab mice and maybe a few humans with extraordinary willpower. Senolytic compounds target and kill senescent cells, clearing the way for healthier function, it’s like spring cleaning for your tissues. And let’s not forget the myriad interventions that have doubled, tripled, or even quintupled the lifespans of certain worms and flies. Granted, it’s a long way from flies to humans, but progress is progress.

Now let’s talk about how drug discovery works. If you wanted to bring this knowledge about extending lifespan in other species back to humans, how would you do that? You start with whatever experiments are already happening, probably in worms or flies. Maybe there’s a promising animal study, a known biological target, or a hunch that tweaking this or that might lead to something interesting. Next comes in-silico modeling. This is where computers simulate how thousands, sometimes millions, of compounds might interact with the chosen target. Think of it like a dating app for molecules. Docking simulations and molecular dynamics can filter out obvious mismatches and flag the ones that might actually “swipe right” on your target. Now you’re in the trenches: preclinical testing. This means animal models, in vitro assays, and a relentless cycle of tweaking molecular structures. Here, the goal is to optimize a compound’s properties—making it more effective, more bioavailable, less toxic, until you have a candidate that’s ready to move forward. This is what’s called preclinical research.

Once you have some solid data, it’s time to prepare an IND (Investigational New Drug) application. This involves compiling every shred of preclinical data into a package, submitting it to regulatory authorities, and crossing your fingers that they give you the green light to proceed to human trials. This is the stage where you need to hope your molecule doesn’t accidentally kill someone (unfortunately, this is quite literal). Clinical trials are where the rubber meets the road. Phase I checks safety. Phase II looks for early signs of efficacy. Phase III proves it works on a large enough scale. Each phase comes with its own hurdles, and the vast majority of drugs don’t make it past all three. At this point, you’re juggling more flaming torches than a circus performer, and the stakes are significantly higher.

If you’re still standing after all of that, you file for approval. Congratulations! You probably have spent a small fortune getting there. But here is a key insight: solid preclinical data will attract investors, because if the drug is approved it can make a lot of money back. Once you’ve got solid preclinical data, it’s easier to convince people that you’re not just shooting in the dark. Investors see the early numbers and say, “Okay, let’s put up the cash.” With that money, you can keep pushing forward—filing your IND, starting clinical trials. And if you get past Phase I and II, you’ve shown that your drug is both safe enough and has some real chance of working. At that point, it’s not just small-time believers, big pharma might step in, run the expensive Phase III, and handle the final push to approval.

So here is my main point. The bottleneck across this process is not the clinical work, even if it takes the longest time. Investors and pharmas will look at data and fund these trials if they show promise to treat diseases of aging. Also, the bottleneck is not coming up with potential ideas for aging, we already have hundreds or thousands of those. The bottleneck is in the translation. Converting those ideas into molecules that can be tested.

Here’s where constraint theory comes in. I spent a few years in supply chain, where one book came up quite often: The Goal. It’s a story about factories, production jams, and how to solve them step by step. No dense theory—just practical lessons on identifying the biggest constraint, fixing that first, and moving on. It became a hit because it gave people a clear, actionable framework they could apply immediately. And that’s exactly how I think we should approach the development of longevity therapeutics. We can spend millions or billions in basic research, and running trials, but none of those things is going to move the needle nearly as much as tackling the limiting step in the process, which is the translation from idea to molecule.

The biggest constraint isn’t ideas—we’ve got plenty of those. It’s the translation, turning concepts into testable therapies. If we fix that, we will have the biggest impact on bringing therapies for aging to the market. That’s what we are doing at Pauling. Building the tools that will help us go from ideas to molecules much, much, much faster and better than we can today. If we really want to live to 150 it’s not enough to have ambition, we need to put up a plan and solve the actual problems that stand in the way. And if we can pull that off, we might just fulfill one of humanity’s dreams.

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As search engines evolve to surface valuable AI-generated content, the winning approach will blend human creativity with AI’s analytical power. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity, and because of this together with my brother we created a digital marketing agency levaraging generative AI. Tell me if we can help you!

Una historia que muchos de nosotros hemos visto en las noticias es cómo Bryan Johnson, un ex emprendedor tecnológico, supuestamente gastó más de dos millones de dólares al año. en un protocolo de longevidad. Y ciertamente parece más joven de lo que indica su edad biológica. Ha realizado un enorme cantidad de pruebas que demuestran que su cuerpo está actuando como alguien mucho más joven.

Personalmente, he estado interesado en la longevidad durante mucho tiempo y creo que la mayoría de las personas pueden obtener el 80% del beneficio del protocolo de Bryan Johson sin tener que gastar millones de dólares. Por eso quiero compartir mi propio protocolo de longevidad.

Hay que tener en cuenta que nada de esto ayudará a vivir hasta los 150 años. Para eso vamos a necesitar biotecnología avanzada, aprender más sobre los mecanismos del envejecimiento y desarrollar nuevas terapias. Pero un protocolo como este podría marcar la diferencia entre vivir hasta los 80 y estar en un asilo de ancianos, o llegar a los 100 años y vivir un estilo de vida independiente.

Estilo de vida saludable

Mi protocolo de longevidad y el núcleo de un estilo de vida saludable se basa en tres pilares: buen sueño, ejercicio regular, y una nutrición adecuada. Cada uno de estos aspectos es crucial y complementario a los demás. Éstos no son negociables y existe evidencia irrefutable de que son esenciales para la buena salud y la longevidad.

Dormir

En mis primeros años, yo, como muchos otros, subestimaba la importancia de dormir bien. Pero un poco de investigación y la experiencia personal me permitieron darme cuenta de que dormir no es sólo una actividad pasiva. Es un momento en el que nuestro cuerpo se rejuvenece, equilibra los niveles hormonales y solidifica la memoria.

Ahora trato de dormir entre 7 y 9 horas todas las noches. Implementar un horario de sueño regular, crear un ambiente propicio para el sueño, y reducir la exposición a las pantallas antes de acostarse son pasos clave en este proceso.

Una buena referencia sobre el sueño es [Por qué dormimos, de Matthew Walker] (https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316).

Ejercicio regular

El ejercicio es una de las pocas cuestiones en las que la literatura médica coincide. El ejercicio regular tiene un impacto positivo en todos los aspectos de la salud. El tipo y la duración del ejercicio probablemente no tengan tanto impacto como su regularidad. Incluso hay artículos que sugieren que unos minutos al día pueden ser casi tan beneficioso como un par de horas.

Mi rutina de ejercicios semanal ahora incluye una combinación de ejercicios cardiovasculares y entrenamiento con pesas. Descubrí que esto no sólo me mantiene en buena forma física sino que también mejora mi salud mental y mi bienestar. Recuerde, el objetivo no es sólo vivir más pero vivir bien.

El entrenamiento de resistencia o con peasas es crucial a medida que envejecemos. Ayuda a mantener la masa muscular, la fuerza y las capacidades funcionales. combatir los efectos de la sarcopenia, la pérdida de masa muscular relacionada con la edad. La pérdida de movilidad a medida que envejecemos crea una cascada de efectos nocivos.

Nutrición

Una buena nutrición es la columna vertebral de una vida sana y un factor clave para una vida larga. No se trata sólo de perder peso o verse bien, sino de nutrir el cuerpo con lo que necesita para funcionar de manera óptima.

Después de mucha investigación y experimentación, descubrí que una dieta basada en plantas me sirve mejor. Parece haber bastante literatura científica que sugiere que una dieta vegana basada en plantas es más saludable que la mayoría de las otras dietas.

Sin embargo, también soy un entusiasta de la comida y creo que disfrutar de la vida, incluida la buena comida, es una parte integral de la longevidad. Sigo una regla 80/20. El 80% de mi dieta, mientras estoy en casa, es vegana y está repleta de alimentos nutritivos de origen vegetal. Y mientras viajo, el otro 20% como prácticamente cualquier cosa. Por ejemplo me gustan los menús de degustación. Por supuesto, siempre evito la comida rápida.

Este equilibrio me permite mantener una salud óptima sin dejar de disfrutar de los placeres de una cocina variada y deliciosa. No se trata de reglas estrictas, sino de hábitos sostenibles y agradables que contribuyan a una vida más larga y saludable.

Una buena referencia sobre nutrición es [Cómo no morir de Michael Greger] (https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115).

Nutrición y suplementos adicionales.

Creo que los tres elementos anteriores probablemente aportan el 90% del beneficio de todo el protocolo y son esenciales. Pero a veces es difícil ser consistente o implementar los 3 de manera óptima. Así que además también complemento mi nutrición con ciertos alimentos para los cuales hay fuerte evidencia de que son beneficiosos para la salud.

Los suplementos pueden ser un complemento importante a un protocolo de salud, pero no sustituirán una dieta equilibrada. Para mí, estos suplementos son la guinda del pastel de una dieta que por lo demás es saludable.

Por supuesto, es esencial recordar que las respuestas individuales a diferentes tipos de alimentos pueden variar, y lo que me funciona para mi puede que no funcione para todos.

Antioxidantes

Los antioxidantes son útiles para neutralizar los radicales libres dañinos en nuestro cuerpo, reduciendo así el estrés oxidativo, uno de los principales contribuyentes al envejecimiento. Dos de mis fuentes favoritas son los arándanos y el acai, ambos famosos por su alto contenido de antioxidantes. Los arándanos son deliciosos complementos para batidos, avena o incluso como refrigerio solos.

Amla

Amla, también conocida como grosella espinosa india, tiene reputación en la medicina ayurvédica. Esta pequeña fruta verde es una excelente fuente de vitamina C y repleta de una variedad de polifenoles, conocidos por sus propiedades antioxidantes. Consumo amla en polvo varias veces a la semana y la mezclo en batidos.

Piperlongumina

La piperlongumina, un compuesto derivado de la pimienta larga, se ha estudiado por sus posibles propiedades antienvejecimiento y antiinflamatorias. Si bien es una adición menos común a las dietas occidentales, yo la agrego en forma de polvo a los batidos.

Espermidina

La espermidina, un compuesto que se encuentra en varios alimentos, ha llamado la atención en los últimos años por sus posibles propiedades para prolongar la vida útil. De hecho hay estudios en animales en los que se probó que alarga la vida. Si la dieta lo permite, el queso añejo resulta ser una de las fuentes ricas en espermidina y es mucho más agradable que tomarlo como suplemento.

Monohidrato de Creatina

La creatina, popular entre los atletas por sus propiedades para mejorar el rendimiento, también puede tener beneficios para la longevidad. Algunas investigaciones sugieren que puede ayudar a mantener la masa muscular y la función cognitiva a medida que envejecemos. Agrego monohidrato de creatina a mis batidos.

Beta-hidroxibutirato

El betahidroxibutirato (BHB) es un tipo de cuerpo cetónico que nuestro cuerpo produce durante el ayuno o las dietas bajas en carbohidratos. Los estudios han sugerido que el BHB puede tener efectos neuroprotectores, lo que podría retardar el envejecimiento cerebral. Al incluir suplementos de BHB en mi rutina, pretendo aprovechar algunos de los beneficios potenciales del ayuno. sin tener que alterar drásticamente mis patrones de alimentación.

Taurina

La taurina se ha vuelto bastante popular últimamente. Hay investigaciones recientes que sugieren que disminuye con la edad y la suplementación en ratones contribuye a prolongar la vida útil. De hecho uno de los estudios más recientes en ratones sugiere que puede alargar la vida de manera significativa.

Vitamina D

La vitamina D es probablemente el suplemento más importante. Muchas personas, especialmente en el mundo occidental, tienen deficiencia de vitamina D. Por eso tomo un suplemento diario de vitamina D de 5000 UI. Los niveles adecuados de vitamina D son cruciales para mantener la salud ósea, la función inmune y más. En particular, la vitamina D puede ayudar a mejorar el sistema inmune contra enfermedades infecciosas y hubo bastante investigación sobre su efecto protector, en los últimos años.

Aceite derivado de algas

A menudo se recomienda el aceite de pescado por su contenido de Omega-3; yo opto por un aceite derivado de algas. Ofrece beneficios similares pero en un paquete apto para veganos. Los ácidos grasos omega-3 son esenciales para la salud y el funcionamiento del cerebro. Sin embargo, probablemente no tiene ningún impacto en la salud cardiovascular, que es lo que tradicionalmente la gente lo tomaría.

Ginseng

El ginseng, en particular el Panax ginseng coreano, se ha utilizado en la medicina tradicional durante siglos. Las investigaciones sugieren que puede tener varios beneficios para la salud, incluida la mejora de la función cognitiva.

Urolitina A

La urolitina A se ha vuelto bastante popular últimamente. Es un compuesto que influye en la salud mitocondrial, fundamental para nuestra energía y salud metabólica. A medida que envejecemos, nuestra función mitocondrial disminuye (ésta es en realidad una de las características clave del envejecimiento). Por eso tomo un suplemento de urolitina A para contrarrestar potencialmente este aspecto del envejecimiento.

Hibisco

Tomo té de hibisco con regularidad, al menos una vez a la semana. El hibisco es conocido por su potencial para reducir la presión arterial. La presión puede causar todo tipo de complicaciones a medida que envejecemos. El hibisco es una forma eficaz, natural y científicamente probada, de reducir la presión arterial.

Dos compuestos que no me funcionaron: Pterostilbeno y Berberina

El pterostilbeno, un compuesto relacionado con el resveratrol, fue una de las cosas que probé. A pesar de sus posibles beneficios antienvejecimiento, Tuve que suspenderlo porque aumentaba significativamente mis niveles de colesterol, lo que resulta ser un efecto secundario conocido.

También probé la berberina, un compuesto que se encuentra en varias plantas y que a menudo se usa para regular los niveles de azúcar en sangre. creo que hay investigaciones que sugieren que puede ser muy eficaz en el tratamiento de síntomas prediabéticos o diabéticos.

En mi caso sospecho que limitó excesivamente mi absorción de azúcar, coincidiendo con un episodio de palpitaciones. Aunque esto podría haber estado relacionado con el estrés, decidí ir a lo seguro y descontinué su uso.

Intervenciones de longevidad

Además de los compuestos mencionados anteriormente, existen un par de intervenciones para las que hay evidencia científica que alargan la vida (al menos en animales).

Senolíticos

Las células senescentes son esencialmente células “zombis”. Una vez activas y en funcionamiento, estas células han entrado en un estado de actividad de detención del ciclo celular. Ya no dividen ni apoyan la función del tejido, pero también resisten la llamada a la apoptosis, o muerte celular programada.

Con el tiempo, la acumulación de estas células senescentes puede contribuir al envejecimiento y diversas enfermedades relacionadas con la edad, ya que emiten sustancias nocivas que causan inflamación y daño a las células sanas circundantes.

Los senolíticos son compuestos diseñados para atacar y eliminar estas células senescentes. Al eliminar las células senescentes, los senolíticos podrían potencialmente ralentizar el proceso de envejecimiento e incluso revertir la disfunción tisular relacionada con la edad. mejorando así la esperanza de vida y posiblemente extendiendo la esperanza de vida.

La importancia de los senolíticos en el campo de la longevidad fue subrayada por un estudio innovador realizado por la famosa Clínica Mayo. Los investigadores descubrieron que la inyección de fármacos senolíticos en ratones ancianos eliminaba eficazmente las células senescentes. En particular, los ratones tratados con estos medicamentos mostraron mejoras significativas en la salud y una mayor esperanza de vida en comparación con los ratones no tratados. Este estudio histórico ha alimentado el entusiasmo por el potencial de los senolíticos para promover vidas más sanas y largas.

Una vez al mes, sigo un régimen de compuestos similares a los senolíticos, que incluyen cúrcuma, quercetina y fisetina. Tomo el doble de la dosis diaria durante dos días a principios de mes. Desafortunadamente, algunos de los probablemente mejores senolíticos (dasatinib) requieren prescripción médica.

Ayuno intermitente

El ayuno intermitente, la práctica de alternar periodos de comida y ayuno, es una de las estrategias más probadas para promover la salud y la longevidad. Este protocolo dietético ha sido estudiado en una variedad de especies, desde levaduras hasta ratones y monos, y consistentemente ha demostrado efectos que prolongan la vida útil, a veces de manera bastante dramática.

Se cree que los mecanismos subyacentes involucran una variedad de procesos biológicos, incluida la mejora de la eficiencia metabólica, una mejorada reparación celular y reducción de la inflamación. Sin embargo, a pesar de sus convincentes beneficios, la implementación de programas intermitentes de ayuno en seres humanos presenta un desafío considerable.

Esto se debe principalmente a nuestras normas sociales y culturales profundamente arraigadas en torno a los horarios de las comidas, así como a la dificultad para muchos enfrentan las personas al pasar largos períodos sin comer.

Practico ayuno 16/8 de forma habitual (como durante un periodo de 8 horas, desde el mediodía hasta las 20h más o menos), y de vez en cuando hago periodos de ayuno de 24 horas donde solo tomo líquidos sin calorías (agua, café, etc.).

Rapamicina

Actualmente no estoy tomando rapamicina, pero creo que cualquier protocolo de longevidad debería considerarla. Hay pruebas sustanciales de que La rapamicina aumenta la longevidad en una variedad de especies. En animales más pequeños el aumento es dramático. En mamíferos más grandes como los humanos el potencial de prolongación de la vida útil es probablemente de sólo unos pocos años (especialmente si se suma a un régimen saludable de sueño, nutrición y ejercicio). Investigaciones recientes sugieren que también se tolera bien cuando se toma durante un período prolongado y tiene pocos efectos secundarios. Aunque actualmente no la estoy tomando, estoy considerando hacerlo en un futuro próximo.

Cosméticos

Todo lo que mencioné anteriormente debería tener un efecto más o menos sistémico en todo el cuerpo. Pero un buen efecto de ser biológicamente más joven es parece más joven. Ciertamente, verse más joven no es tan importante como mantener una buena salud: las arrugas nunca mataron a nadie. Pero en la sociedad en la que vivimos es un buen beneficio. Existen varios tratamientos que son útiles para mantener la piel joven y saludable.

Proteccion solar

Usar protector solar con regularidad es lo más importante que podemos hacer para mantener la piel en buen estado. Los rayos UVA y UVB pueden provocar envejecimiento prematuro, incluidas arrugas e hiperpigmentación, y aumentar el riesgo de cáncer de piel. Me aplico un protector solar SPF 47 todas las mañanas, independientemente del clima.

Cuidado diario de la piel

Una parte clave de mi rutina diaria incluye una crema de ojos antienvejecimiento específica para reducir la apariencia de las líneas finas y mantener hidratada la delicada piel alrededor de mis ojos. Además, todas las noches me aplico una crema hidratante. Recientemente, he estado explorando la crema OneSkin, un producto tópico que afirma tener propiedades senolíticas. Contiene un péptido que se dirige a las células senescentes de la piel, mejorando potencialmente la salud y la apariencia de la piel. Hay un pequeño estudio científico que sugiere que puede mejorar la apariencia de la piel.

Exfoliación regular y microagujas

Cada trimestre, trato mi piel con una sesión facial o de microdermoabrasión. Estos tratamientos ayudan a eliminar las células muertas de la piel, revelando una piel más fresca y de aspecto más joven debajo. Y dos veces al año me someto a tratamientos de microagujas. Este proceso implica el uso de un dispositivo con pequeñas agujas para crear microlesiones en la superficie de la piel. Esta técnica estimula la producción de colágeno, la proteína que aporta estructura y elasticidad a nuestra piel, y favorece la regeneración cutánea.

Conclusión

Este es un artículo bastante largo, pero el nivel de esfuerzo involucrado en implementar estas prácticas es realmente muy bajo. Una buena higiene del sueño se convierte en un hábito. Una o dos horas de ejercicio a la semana no es un compromiso de mucho tiempo. Cocinar alimentos saludables lleva el mismo tiempo o menos que cocinar alimentos poco saludables. Tomo la mayoría de mis suplementos en un batido una vez al día, que preparo en menos de 5 minutos.

Además, creo que es importante que el nivel de esfuerzo no sea muy elevado. A muchos de nosotros nos gusta viajar, por ejemplo, y es difícil mantener estos hábitos mientras viajamos. Pero uno o dos días sin ejercicio no es gran problema. Existe un equilibrio entre mantener un estricto estilo de vida saludable y disfrutar de algunos vicios aquí y allá. No se trata sólo de añadir años a la vida, sino vida a los años.

Si estás interesado en longevidad, no dudes en ponerte en contacto via Twitter o LinkedIn.

One story that many of us have seen in the news is how Bryan Johnson a former tech entrepreneur supposedly spent over two million dollars a year in a longevity protocol. And he certainly looks younger than his biological age indicates. He has done a whole bunch of tests that show that his body is performing like someone much younger too.

I’ve been interested in longevity for a long time, and I believe most people can get 80% of the benefit without having to spend millions of dollars. So I wanted to share my own longevity protocol.

To be clear, none of this is going to help anyone to live to 150 years old. We are going to need advanced biotechnology for that, to learn more about the mechanisms of aging and to develop brand new therapies. But a protocol like this could make a difference between living to 80 and being in a nursing home or reaching 100 and living an independent lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle

My longevity protocol and the core of a healthy lifestyle is built around three pillars: good sleep, regular exercise, and proper nutrition. Each of these aspects is crucial and complementary to the others. These are non-negotiable and there is substantial irrefutable evidence that they are essential for good health and longevity.

Sleep

In my early years, I, like many others, underestimated the importance of good sleep. It took a bit of research and personal experience for me to realize that sleep is not just a passive activity. It’s a time when our body rejuvenates itself, balances hormone levels, and solidifies memory.

I now try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Implementing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and reducing exposure to screens before bedtime are key steps in this process.

A good reference for sleep is Why we sleep by Matthew Walker.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the few things where medical literature agrees. Regular exercise has a positive impact across the board in all aspects of health. The type and length of exercise probably doesn’t have as much impact as how regular it is. There are even papers that suggest that a few minutes a day could be almost as beneficial as a couple of hours.

My weekly exercise routine now includes a combination of cardiovascular workouts and resistance training. I found that this not only keeps me physically fit but also boosts my mental health and well-being. Remember, the aim is not just to live longer but to live well.

Resistance training is crucial as we age. It helps maintain muscle mass, strength, and functional abilities, combating the effects of sarcopenia - the age-related loss of muscle. Loss of mobility as we age creates a cascade of noxious effects.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is the backbone of a healthy life and a key player in the longevity game. It’s not just about losing weight or looking good, but about nourishing your body with what it needs to function optimally.

After much research and experimentation, I found that a plant-based diet served me the best. There seems to be quite a bit of scientific literature suggesting that a plant based vegan diet is healthier than most other diets.

However, I am also a food enthusiast and believe that enjoying life, including good food, is an integral part of longevity. I follow an 80/20 rule. 80% of my diet, while I’m at home, is vegan, packed with nutritious plant-based foods. And while I’m traveling, for the other 20% I eat pretty much anything, typically nice meals at fancy restaurants. Of course I always avoid fast food.

This balance allows me to maintain optimal health while still enjoying the pleasures of varied and delicious cuisine. It’s not about strict rules, but about sustainable, enjoyable habits that contribute to a longer, healthier life.

A good reference on nutrition is How not to Die by Michael Greger.

Additional nutrition and supplements

I think the three items above probably bring 90% of the benefit of the entire protocol and are essential. But sometimes it’s hard to be consistent or implement all 3 optimally. So in addition I also complement my nutrition with certain foods for which there is some indication that may be beneficial.

Supplements can be an important addition to a health protocol, they will not replace a balanced diet. For me, these supplements are the icing on the cake of an otherwise healthy diet.

Of course, it’s essential to remember that individual responses to different types of food can vary, and what works for me might not work for everyone.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are useful in neutralizing harmful free radicals in our body, thereby reducing oxidative stress – a major contributor to aging. Two of my favorite sources are blueberries and acai, both renowned for their high antioxidant content. Blueberries make for delicious additions to smoothies, oatmeal, or even as a snack on their own.

Amla

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, has a reputation in Ayurvedic medicine. This small green fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and packed with a variety of polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant properties. I consume amla in powdered form several times a week, mixing it into smoothies.

Piperlongumine

Piperlongumine, a compound derived from the long pepper, has been studied for its potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. While it’s a less common addition to Western diets, I add it in powder form in smoothies.

Spermidine

Spermidine, a compound found in various foods, has gained attention in recent years for its potential lifespan-extending properties. Aged cheese happens to be one of the rich sources of spermidine and is much more enjoyable than taking it as a supplement.

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine, popular among athletes for its performance-enhancing properties, may also have longevity benefits. Some research suggests that it can help maintain muscle mass and cognitive function as we age. I add creatine monohydrate to my smoothies.

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a type of ketone body that our bodies produce during fasting or low-carb diets. Studies have suggested that BHB can have neuroprotective effects, which might slow brain aging. By including BHB supplements in my routine, I aim to harness some of the potential benefits of fasting, without having to drastically alter my eating patterns.

Taurine

Taurine has become quite popular lately. There is recent research that suggests that it declines with age, and supplementation in mice contributes to extend lifespan.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is probably the single most important supplement. Many people, particularly in the western world, have vitamin D deficiency. That’s why I take a daily vitamin D supplement of 5000 IU. Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for maintaining bone health, immune function, and more. In particular Vitamin D can help enhance the immune system against infectious diseases and there was quite a bit of research of the protective effects of Vitamin D over the past few years.

Algae-Derived Oil

Fish oil is often recommended for its Omega-3 content, I opt for an algae-derived oil. It offers similar benefits but in a vegan-friendly package. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and function. It probably has no impact on cardiovascular health though, which is what traditionally people would take it for.

Ginseng

Ginseng, particularly Korean Panax ginseng, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Research suggests it may have various health benefits, including improving cognitive function.

Urolithin A

Urolithin A has become quite popular lately. It is a compound that influences mitochondrial health, which is fundamental to our energy levels and metabolic health. As we age, our mitochondrial function declines (this is actually one of the key hallmarks of aging). So I take a Urolithin A supplement to potentially counteract this aspect of aging.

Hibiscus

I regularly have hibiscus tea, at least once a week. Hibiscus is known for its potential to lower blood pressure. Increasing blood pressure can cause all sorts of complications as we age. Hibiscus is a natural and scientifically proven effective way to lower blood pressure.

Two compounds that didn’t work for me: Pterostilbene and Berberine

Pterostilbene, a compound related to resveratrol, was one of the things I tried. Despite its potential anti-aging benefits, I had to stop it as it significantly increased my cholesterol levels, which happens to be a known side effect.

I also tried berberine, a compound found in several plants and often used to regulate blood sugar levels. I think there is research that suggests that it can be very effective in the treatment of prediabetic or diabetic symptoms. In my case, I suspect it limited my sugar absorption excessively, coinciding with an episode of palpitations. Although this could have been stress-related, I decided to play it safe and discontinued its use.

Longevity interventions

In addition to the compounds above there are a couple of interventions with substantial research behind them.

Senolytics

Senescent cells are essentially “zombie” cells. Once active and functioning, these cells have entered a state of permanent cell cycle arrest. They no longer divide or support tissue function, but they also resist the call to apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Over time, the accumulation of these senescent cells can contribute to aging and various age-related diseases, as they emit harmful substances that cause inflammation and damage to surrounding healthy cells.

Senolytics, are compounds designed to target and eliminate these senescent cells. By clearing out the senescent cells, senolytics could potentially slow down the aging process and even reverse age-related tissue dysfunction, thus improving healthspan and possibly extending lifespan.

The significance of senolytics in the field of longevity was underscored by a groundbreaking study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. The researchers found that injecting senolytic drugs into elderly mice effectively eliminated senescent cells. Notably, the mice treated with these drugs showed significant improvements in health and extended lifespan, compared to the untreated mice. This landmark study has fueled enthusiasm for the potential of senolytics in promoting healthier, longer lives.

Once a month, I follow a regimen of senolytic-like compounds, including turmeric, quercetin, and fisetin. I take twice the daily dosage for two days at the beginning of the month. Unfortunately some of the probably best senolytics (dasatinib) require prescription.

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting, the practice of cycling between periods of eating and fasting, is one of the most proven strategies for promoting health and longevity. This dietary protocol has been studied in a variety of species, from yeast to mice to monkeys, and has consistently demonstrated lifespan-extending effects, sometimes quite dramatically.

The underlying mechanisms are believed to involve a range of biological processes, including improved metabolic efficiency, enhanced cellular repair, and reduced inflammation. However, despite its compelling benefits, implementing intermittent fasting in humans presents a considerable challenge.

This is primarily due to our deep-rooted social and cultural norms surrounding meal times, as well as the difficulty many people face in adhering to extended periods without food.

I practice 16/8 fasting on a regular basis (I eat during a period of 8 hours, from noon to 8pm more or less). And I ocassionally do 24 hour fasting periods where I only take liquids with no calories (water, coffee, etc.).

Rapamycin

I am currently not taking rapamycin, but I think any longevity protocol should consider it. There is substantial evidence that rapamycin increases longevity in a variety of species. In smaller animals the increase is dramatic. In larger mammals like humans the potential for lifespan extension is probably just a few years (especially on top of an otherwise healthy regime of sleep, nutrition and exercise). Recent research suggests that it’s also well tolerated when taken for a long period of time, and has few side effects. Even though I’m currently not taking it, I’m consdiering it for the near future.

Cosmetics

Everything I mentioned above should have a more or less systemic effect in the entire body. But a nice effect of being biologically younger is looking younger. Looking younger is certainly not as important as maintaining good health - wrinkles never killed anyone. But in the society that we live in it’s a nice benefit.

There are several treatments that are useful to keep the skin young and healthy.

Sun Protection

Using sunscreen regularly is the single most important thing that we can do to keep the skin looking good. UVA and UVB rays can lead to premature aging, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer. I apply an SPF 47 sunscreen every morning, regardless of the weather.

Daily Skincare

A key part of my daily routine involves a targeted anti-aging eye cream to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep the delicate skin around my eyes hydrated. Also, every night I apply a moisturizer.

Recently, I’ve been exploring the OneSkin cream, a topical product that claims to have senolytic properties. It contains a peptide that targets senescent cells in the skin, potentially improving skin health and appearance. There is a small scientific study that suggests it may improve skin appearance.

Regular Exfoliation and Microneedling

Every quarter, I treat my skin to a facial or microdermabrasion session. These treatments help remove dead skin cells, revealing fresher, younger-looking skin beneath.

And twice a year, I undergo microneedling treatments. This process involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin surface. This technique stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that provides structure and elasticity to our skin, and promotes skin regeneration.

Conclusion

This is a fairly long article but the level of effort involved in implementing these practices is actually very low. Good sleep hygiene becomes a habit. An hour or two of exercise a week is not a big time commitment. Cooking healthy food takes the same time or less as cooking unhealthy food. I take most of my supplements in a shake once a day, which I prepare in less than 5 minutes.

Also, I think it’s important keeping things reasonable. Many of us like to travel, for example, and it’s hard to keep these habits while on the road. But a day or two without exercise is not a big deal. There is a balance between keeping a strict healthy lifestyle and enjoying a few vices here and there.

It’s not just about adding years to life, but life to years.

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If you are interested in longevity, reach out to me on Twitter or LinkedIn.

An example of the first is asking Google Bard to search across a million papers and answer questions about them. There’s no way a human can or will ever be able to read a million scientific papers to answer a question.

An example of the second is image generation. Using an image generation model is like having a team of photographers, graphic designers, and 3d artists on demand ready to create anything you can imagine.

Image generation models are especially good at generating image types that are somehow present in their training set. If an artist anywhere in the world has ever thought of something, or if you have ever seen a work of art before - no matter how original you thought it was at that time - the models can probably recreate it.

The variety of images that are being generated is astonishing. Here are some of my favorite prompts.

Pictures of people

Here is Anya:

And here she is in a variety of action scenes. Keep in mind that even when using an image as part of the prompt the character may not look exactly the same.

We can also get multiple shots from different angles in the same image.

And we can change the seed while keeping the prompt. To see the effect of changing words or the word order. Keep in mind that even with the same seed and very similar prompts the images may vary substantially. The images below were all generated from the same seed changing only one word (the color of the hair).

Generative AI models are very good creating pictures of people. Maybe because training datasets include so many people. And this is one of the most significant use cases. Getting professional quality photos of people can be expensive.

One interesting use case (which seems to be very popular in social media) is style transfer applied to photos.

For example putting the same character in a painting:

Pictures of other things

Apart from people we can use these models for all sorts of other things. But they will tend to work best for things that someone, somewhere, has already imagined before.

For example macro photos:

Or drawings

Or very refined illustrations. For example in the style of Alphonse Mucha (one of my favorite artists)

One category with a lot of interesting potential is architecture.

And also interior design.

And in particular furniture. The training datasets must contain tons of photos of furniture catalogs.

An unexplored category (at least compared with Instagram) is food

Also calligraphy

These models are specially useful in the initial ideation stages for videogames or other media products. They are probably not ready yet to be used for production assets, but they are very quick to come up with a wide variety of ideas.

What’s next?

One of the main problems with these models is that it’s still very hard to control the composition of the scenes. In general they are good following directions about style and lightning, but it’s hard to insert a specific character into a scene.

Finally, something to be worried about. With the quality becoming so good it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish real photos from AI generated images. Of course this will have wide implications for society, and what we can trust. Even when there is supposedly “visual evidence”.

In 2020 we had to deal with the massive (overreaching?) response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This caused inflation not seen in our generation, and in an effort to combat inflation and stabilize the economy, the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates at the fastest speed ever. This seemingly necessary move, however, led to a sharp drop in the stock market, leaving investors reeling and questioning the decision. The rate hike coupled with a massive commodity supply chain disruption caused by the Russian sanctions not only affected the stock market but also sent shockwaves throughout the global economy, causing instability and uncertainty.

Following the stock market’s plunge, the world witnessed a massive decline in the valuations of cryptocurrencies. The Crypto apocalypse saw billions of dollars wiped out from the market in just a matter of weeks. This in turn raised questions about the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies and the stability of the digital asset market. Right at the worst time, when central banks are starting to explore national digital currencies.

The tech sector, which many of us considered immune to economic downturns, has not been spared from the recent turmoil. Most big tech companies announced significant layoffs. This decision has not only impacted employees but has also sent a wave of concern throughout the entire tech industry. Tech has been the most important engine pushing economic growth over the last decade.

A recent development is the decrease in usage of the US dollar for international trade. For the past 70 years the US dollar has been the reserve currency and main trade currency around the world. But a series of recent agreements are threatening to put that in jeopardy. Of course part of the problem is self-inflicted. US established sanctions are a reason for these deals. But it’s concerning for US-based companies and investors. We can probably expect continued persistent commodity inflation for the next few years.

Finally, a sudden but logical consequence was the failure of SVB. The Silicon Valley Bank run, fueled by rumors on Twitter, led to a rapid collapse; leaving investors and customers scrambling for answers. This has raised concerns about the stability of the banking system as a whole. Given how rising interest rates and office occupancy rates are moving it’s likely that commercial loans will start defaulting in the next few years and will bring a whole swath of regional banks down with them.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that there are cracks are popping up in the global economy. While the current situation is not as dire as the 2008 financial crisis (yet?), I have a growing sense of unease that this may be the calm before the storm.

The road ahead is uncertain. Personally, I am spending a bit of time planning what steps to prepare. For example, consdiering what are likely second order consequences of the end of this economic cycle and how to better avoid substantial losses.