The 7th TimePie Longevity Forum was recently held in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, bringing together more than 100 scientists, longevity industry leaders, biohackers, anti-aging enthusiasts, and over 40 companies from around the world.

A premier annual event in China that unites academia and industry in the anti-aging sector, it cultivates a collaborative environment to accelerate scientific progress and the practical application of aging research. It also aims to address the socioeconomic challenges of an aging population.

The 7th TimePie Longevity Forum is held in Lin-gang. [Photo/TimePie]

The main forum featured 13 speakers, who shared insights on topics such as the mechanisms of aging, regenerative medicine, ‌cell therapy translation‌, AI and genomics, and nutritional interventions.

Jimmy Elliott, global head of diseases of aging and regenerative medicine at Novartis, put forth that aging is driven by multiple diseases. Simply regenerating tissues or building muscle is not enough to maintain physical function over the long term. Other factors, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular decline, also need to be taken into account.

Heinrich Jasper, a researcher at Genentech, said that sPtk7, a molecule involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling, is briefly activated in youth to promote tissue repair. As the body ages, however, its continued release can inhibit stem cell differentiation and weaken the body's ability to regenerate. Preserving this regenerative capacity requires a delicate balance between preserving stem cell function and preventing cancer.

Wu Ziyun, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, noted that nutrition is one of the most important factors in slowing aging and extending lifespan. He recommends a diet with more grains, fruits, vegetables, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting red meat and fried food.