Roxanne Khamsi: You are mutating – and that’s (mostly) a good thing
Summary
Alan Alda interviews Roxanne Comsey about her book *Beyond Inheritance*, which reveals that our DNA constantly mutates throughout life. Comsey explains how these changes drive immune function and aging, challenging the view of genetics as static. They discuss medical implications, including spontaneous diseases and potential therapies derived from natural cellular evolution.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: The Myth of Static DNA
How Cells Mutate: The Copying Process
Evidence of Mutation: Eyelids and Esophagus
Defining Mutation and Clonal Hematopoiesis
Aging, Cancer Risk, and Darwinian Selection
The Body as a Mosaic: Microbiome and Diversity
Case Study: Spontaneous Long QT Syndrome
Why Mutations Happen: Rapid Cell Division
The Immune System: Mutations as Survival
Show Credits and Sponsor Segments
Can We Slow Aging by Fixing DNA?
Spontaneous Cures: Mutations That Heal
Medical Implications: Blood Tests and Diagnosis
Microevolution in the Liver and Metabolism
Seven Questions: Religion, Science, and Talkers
Seven Questions: Confidence and Recommended Books
Guest Bio and Next Episode Preview
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