OIST Podcasts

Introducing the very first episode of the OIST podcast, “OIST Hub Radio” — featuring as our inaugural guest Associate Professor Keiko Kono, a researcher studying cellular aging. “A tiny wound in the cell membrane can trigger cellular aging.” In 2024, Dr. Kono and her team made the world’s first discovery of this phenomenon, attracting international attention in the field of aging research. She is now one of the scientists leading the frontier of this rapidly evolving field. “DNA alone is not life.” Dr. Kono explores aging through the cell membrane — the “boundary of life” that separates the self from the outside world. Her work seeks to uncover the true nature of aging from this fundamental perspective. Using lasers under a microscope to create microscopic injuries in cell membranes — the experiments sound almost like “Star Wars at the microscopic scale.” The conversation also dives into fascinating questions: Do organisms that never age really exist? What is the difference between healthy longevity and immortality? And could humanity one day stop aging altogether? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the mysteries of life and the future of aging research. 【Guests】 Dr. Keiko Kono — Researcher in Cellular Aging, OIST Membranology Unit Dr. Ryuho Kataoka — Aurora Researcher, OIST Science and Technology Group Hisashi Gakiya — Communications and Public Relations, OIST