Why do we age? Does every living thing age? How can some organisms live for over a century while others die in mere weeks? These questions have been on the minds of almost every natural philosopher for the past few thousand years, but modern advances in evolutionary biology and gerontology have only just given us satisfactory explanations. In this presentation, I will share some of the insights that brought aging from the realm of the supernatural to the realm of science. I’ll also talk about some remarkable organisms that appear not to age at all and what these organisms may be able to teach us about our own chances at combating the diseases of aging.

Christopher Rodriguez, Graduate Student, Reddien Lab, Whitehead Institute

*** Organizer will provide lunch. ***