Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
*Apply to join Foresight Biotech & Health Extension program:* foresight.org/focus-areas/longevity-biotechnology
A group of scientists, entrepreneurs, funders, and institutional allies who cooperate to advance biotechnology to reverse aging and extend human healthspan. This group is sponsored by 100 Plus Capital. 100pluscap.com
*Chiara Herzog | What The Epigenome Remembers: Ageing, Disease Risk, and the Tissues we Overlook*
Bio: Dr. Chiara Herzog is a King’s Prize Fellow (junior group leader) at King’s College London, where she investigates how the epigenome can be harnessed to better understand ageing and predict disease risk. She is an inventor on multiple patents that leverage the epigenome for disease risk prediction, and has developed a clinically available test for endometrial cancer detection. Her contributions to the field have been recognised with several prestigious awards. Dr. Herzog serves on the executive committee of the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium (agingconsortium.org/) and founded the London Ageing Research Network to connect local researchers across disciplines (londonageingresearch.com/).
Abstract: DNA methylation is a dynamic layer of molecular information that sits on top of our genetic code (DNA), shaping how genes are expressed and changing in response to age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In this talk, I will explore how DNA methylation can be leveraged to reconstruct an individual’s biological history, quantify ageing, and predict future disease risk. I will highlight emerging applications of epigenetic biomarkers in health research and discuss findings from large-scale studies, including the multi-omic TirolGESUND study. While blood has traditionally been the sample of choice for such analyses, I will make the case for broadening our approach, showing why alternative tissues such as saliva or buccal swabs may offer unique advantages in specific contexts. By rethinking our sampling strategies, we can unlock new opportunities for early detection, personalised prevention, and more accessible health prediction.
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*About The Foresight Institute*
The Foresight Institute is a research organization and non-profit that supports the beneficial development of high-impact technologies. Since our founding in 1986 on a vision of guiding powerful technologies, we have continued to evolve into a many-armed organization that focuses on several fields of science and technology that are too ambitious for legacy institutions to support. From molecular nanotechnology, to brain-computer interfaces, space exploration, cryptocommerce, and AI, Foresight gathers leading minds to advance research and accelerate progress toward flourishing futures.
*We are entirely funded by your donations. If you enjoy what we do please consider donating through our donation page:* foresight.org/donate
*Visit* https://foresight.org, *subscribe to our channel for more videos or join us here:*
*• Twitter:* twitter.com/foresightinst
*• Facebook:* facebook.com/foresightinst
*• LinkedIn:* linkedin.com/company/foresight-institute
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*Timecodes*
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:24 Understanding the Epigenome
01:36 Epigenetic Mechanisms and DNA Methylation
03:04 Epigenome and Disease Risk Prediction
04:29 Impact of Smoking on Epigenome
08:01 Age-Related Epigenetic Changes
20:00 Epigenetic Clocks and Aging
22:10 Intervention Studies and Biomarkers
25:58 Intermittent Fasting and Age-Related Features
26:39 Immune Age Metric and Its Implications
27:54 Biomarker Associations and Study Insights
29:59 Community Initiatives and Biomarkers of Aging Consortium
33:04 Future Directions in Epigenetics
34:09 Q&A Session
*Apply to join Foresight Biotech & Health Extension program:* foresight.org/focus-areas/longevity-biotechnology
A group of scientists, entrepreneurs, funders, and institutional allies who cooperate to advance biotechnology to reverse aging and extend human healthspan. This group is sponsored by 100 Plus Capital. 100pluscap.com
*Chiara Herzog | What The Epigenome Remembers: Ageing, Disease Risk, and the Tissues we Overlook*
Bio: Dr. Chiara Herzog is a King’s Prize Fellow (junior group leader) at King’s College London, where she investigates how the epigenome can be harnessed to better understand ageing and predict disease risk. She is an inventor on multiple patents that leverage the epigenome for disease risk prediction, and has developed a clinically available test for endometrial cancer detection. Her contributions to the field have been recognised with several prestigious awards. Dr. Herzog serves on the executive committee of the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium (agingconsortium.org/) and founded the London Ageing Research Network to connect local researchers across disciplines (londonageingresearch.com/).
Abstract: DNA methylation is a dynamic layer of molecular information that sits on top of our genetic code (DNA), shaping how genes are expressed and changing in response to age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In this talk, I will explore how DNA methylation can be leveraged to reconstruct an individual’s biological history, quantify ageing, and predict future disease risk. I will highlight emerging applications of epigenetic biomarkers in health research and discuss findings from large-scale studies, including the multi-omic TirolGESUND study. While blood has traditionally been the sample of choice for such analyses, I will make the case for broadening our approach, showing why alternative tissues such as saliva or buccal swabs may offer unique advantages in specific contexts. By rethinking our sampling strategies, we can unlock new opportunities for early detection, personalised prevention, and more accessible health prediction.
══════════════════════════════════════
*About The Foresight Institute*
The Foresight Institute is a research organization and non-profit that supports the beneficial development of high-impact technologies. Since our founding in 1986 on a vision of guiding powerful technologies, we have continued to evolve into a many-armed organization that focuses on several fields of science and technology that are too ambitious for legacy institutions to support. From molecular nanotechnology, to brain-computer interfaces, space exploration, cryptocommerce, and AI, Foresight gathers leading minds to advance research and accelerate progress toward flourishing futures.
*We are entirely funded by your donations. If you enjoy what we do please consider donating through our donation page:* foresight.org/donate
*Visit* https://foresight.org, *subscribe to our channel for more videos or join us here:*
*• Twitter:* twitter.com/foresightinst
*• Facebook:* facebook.com/foresightinst
*• LinkedIn:* linkedin.com/company/foresight-institute
══════════════════════════════════════
*Timecodes*
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:24 Understanding the Epigenome
01:36 Epigenetic Mechanisms and DNA Methylation
03:04 Epigenome and Disease Risk Prediction
04:29 Impact of Smoking on Epigenome
08:01 Age-Related Epigenetic Changes
20:00 Epigenetic Clocks and Aging
22:10 Intervention Studies and Biomarkers
25:58 Intermittent Fasting and Age-Related Features
26:39 Immune Age Metric and Its Implications
27:54 Biomarker Associations and Study Insights
29:59 Community Initiatives and Biomarkers of Aging Consortium
33:04 Future Directions in Epigenetics
34:09 Q&A Session
