Scott Alexander examines the treatment for progeria and its potential implications for understanding and treating normal aging processes. Longer summary

This post discusses the implications of progeria treatments for understanding normal aging. Scott Alexander explores the recent FDA approval of lornafarnib for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome and its potential relevance to normal aging processes. He explains the cellular mechanisms behind progeria, involving defective lamin A protein production, and how this leads to accelerated aging through DNA damage accumulation. While initially concluding that lornafarnib might not help prevent normal aging, Scott then presents research suggesting that similar protein defects might play a role in normal aging processes. The post ends with uncertainty about the extent to which these mechanisms contribute to regular aging. Shorter summary

The post examines whether calorie restriction slows aging, concluding it likely does but may not be worth the drawbacks for most people. Longer summary

This post discusses the effects of calorie restriction (CR) on aging and longevity, examining evidence from animal studies, human population studies, and proposed biological mechanisms. The authors review the paradox between lab animal studies showing increased lifespan with CR and human population studies suggesting optimal longevity at normal BMIs. They conclude that while CR likely extends lifespan modestly, the potential risks and discomfort may outweigh the benefits for most people. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reflects on turning 33 and questions whether the changes in his thinking represent true wisdom or are the result of socialization, trauma, or neurological changes. Longer summary

In this post, Scott Alexander reflects on turning 33 and questions whether age truly brings wisdom. He lists several changes in his thinking that seem like wisdom, such as becoming more cynical, mellow, and believing things are complicated. However, he then questions whether these changes are actually wisdom or just better socialization, trauma-induced pessimism, or even neurological changes. He notes that his current views align more with elite opinion and wonders if this is due to genuine wisdom or social pressure. Scott also discusses how he's changed his stance on some issues, like religion, and questions whether this is true wisdom or just following intellectual trends. He concludes by acknowledging the difficulty in distinguishing true wisdom from other cognitive changes that come with age. Shorter summary

Scott reflects on turning thirty, using Byron's poem to explore the transition from youthful intensity and ambition to a more settled adult perspective. Longer summary

Scott reflects on aging as he turns thirty, using Byron's poem 'Growing Old' as a framework. He explores the transition from the raw experiences and ambitions of youth to the more settled, judgment-based perspective of adulthood. Scott discusses the intensity of childhood experiences, the formation of identity, and the eventual crystallization of ambitions into specific pursuits. He contrasts the optimizing mindset of youth with the more satisficing approach of adulthood, noting the benefits of finding a stable identity and perspective. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander describes five fictional planets, each with a unique societal quirk that explores different sci-fi concepts and social commentary. Longer summary

Scott Alexander presents five fictional planets with unique societal quirks, each exploring a different sci-fi concept. Gamma Andromeda has inhabitants who artificially balance their emotions, Zyzzx Prime's leaders lose intelligence upon gaining power, K'th'ranga V maintains a complex theocracy spanning different technological ages, Chan X-3's species focuses solely on gene preservation, and New Capricorn has achieved immortality but not halted aging. Each planet illustrates a thought-provoking scenario that combines elements of science fiction with social commentary and philosophical musings. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander discusses the online forum Longecity, where users organize group buys of experimental chemicals, seeing it as a risky but intriguing counterbalance to slow drug approval processes. Longer summary

Scott Alexander expresses admiration for Longecity, an online forum where users organize group buys of experimental chemicals for self-experimentation. While acknowledging the dangers and irresponsibility of such practices, he finds a certain appeal in how it counteracts potential suppression of wonder drugs by slow-moving institutions. The post discusses examples of ongoing group buys, including attempts to replicate anti-aging experiments in rats. Scott concludes by suggesting that while this behavior is risky, it serves as a safeguard against dystopian scenarios where beneficial drugs are suppressed, reflecting a balance between institutional stupidity and population insanity in Western civilization. Shorter summary