In this insightful episode, we are privileged to host Dr. Suresh Ratan, a biogerontologist and an eminent senior scientist at Aarhus University, Denmark. Join us as we journey through the fascinating world of gerontology, understanding its roots, present scenarios, and exciting prospects for the future. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: Hayflick's Paradigm: Dive into the foundational observations that led to the understanding that cells have a finite lifespan, shedding light on the cellular mechanisms behind aging. The Myth of Aging Genes: Dr. Ratan debunks common misconceptions about genes causing aging. Instead, he introduces us to 'gerento genes' - his novel concept suggesting genes that defend us against aging. But like all natural processes, they aren't flawless. The Game of Lifespan: Learn about the intriguing difference between 'essential lifespan' - the period needed for successful reproduction, and 'maximal lifespan' - the ultimate boundary of an organism's life. Did you know humans have an essential lifespan of around 45 years? When Do We Start Aging?: A riveting discussion on the onset of the aging process in humans. Prepare to be surprised! The Enigma of Senescent Cells: Discover the journey of how senescent cells were identified and their role in aging. Plus, get Dr. Ratan's expert take on the emerging field of senolytics. Gut Microbiome & Aging: A brief exploration on how our gut health might be intertwined with the aging process, spotlighting cutting-edge research in this area. Disclaimer: In the episode, there was a mention of there being ten-thousand species of bacteria in our microbiome. To clarify, scientists typically estimate a range of about 300 to one-thousand different species (the exact number is still under research), with the total bacterial count being somewhere around 5 to 10-trillion. Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe for more deep dives into the world of longevity and aging research! Drop your questions and comments below, and we'll ensure to bring more experts like Dr. Ratan to answer them.