The Competition to Extend Human Lifespan with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Peter Diamandis

How do science competitions further innovation? Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with Peter Diamandis, Founder of the XPRIZE Foundation, to discuss science innovation, incentive competitions, and the future of space, longevity, AI, and more.
Peter takes us through the founding of the XPRIZE and his idea to create a competition for getting people to space. We discuss the history of incentive competitions and how the 1919 Orteig Prize motivated the first flight from New York City to Paris. Learn about the many prizes the XPRIZEs runs now.
How often do prize winners enter the industry? Why create a prize for space? Find out about Peter's path to get Stephen Hawking onto a zero-g flight. How do you create a prize for longevity? Learn about XPRIZE’s new competition for extending the human health span. What is longevity escape velocity? Why not pursue immortality?
We talk about the role of AI in industries going forward and how companies are reinventing how we feed ourselves. How do we combat deepfakes? What happens when deepfakes become completely indistinguishable? Plus, discover when life likely began in the universe.
Thanks to our Patrons Lauren Crist, Nick R, George Swain, Karsten de Braaf, Winifred Kessler, Lucille Bosco, and Tom Lindelius for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson
00:00 - Introduction: Peter Diamandis
6:00 - The Orteig Prize & Lindbergh’s Transatlantic Flight
9:55 - Starting the XPRIZE
14:28 - Types of XPRIZEs & Impact on Industry
17:39 - Why Space?
19:13 - Getting Stephan Hawking to Zero-G
22:50 - Can We Live Forever?
25:49 - Extending Our Healthspans
36:14 - The Role of AI & Singularity University
42:10 - Reinventing How We Feed Ourselves
44:50 - Will Deepfakes Ruin the Internet?
50:23 - When Would Life Have Started in The Universe?

[@StarTalk]

What's Your XPRIZE Winning Idea?

[@Sammasambuddha]

Finding the ego spot in human brains and zapping it into submission. World bliss.

[@mbabaneamputee7725]

$25000 in 1919 is $464000 in 2024

[@alswedgin9274]

@@rileynguyen8880 they're already there..

[@deequeens]

They have to use their default lungs as fish bcuz too much plastic and waste is in the waters. Solution is…. 20:12

[@rossjudd6049]

@@Ricciantoni_7 They just landed another un-manned spacecraft there a few hours ago...... so....

[@bruce-mm6bw]

Neil is a great example of a great conversation. He is like a symphony orchestra. Most people play only the woodwinds, or the brass. He listens and then brings in other parts of the orchestra at the most appropriate times. That makes the interview interesting for everyone, listener and interviewee.

[@ghettoblackgamer]

We know its you Neil 😂

[@Thedoublechamp]

Neil from 2nd account😂?​@@ghettoblackgamer

[@ghettoblackgamer]

@@Thedoublechamp surely

[@jeremeymcmillan4575]

Bruh I can’t tell if this is a compliment or a troll.

[@kjmorley]

I guess he’s an acquired taste. I could only stand the constant interjections for 16 minutes before bailing.

[@andremiller2561]

We need more conversations like this. These conversations will make will make the world a better place if they were in barbershops

[@andypeiffer5]

Damn, I didn't know someone could out talk Neil! This was fun!

[@AbhishekAnshuuu]

I was thinking the exact same thing too xD

[@sorindanu6317]

I never heard of this person who is your guest, but after 50% of video, of listening to your podcast while driving, he becamed my new IDOL in life! Can I pls come work with you/ for you??? I'm just a simple man that BELIVES we all should do MORE for humanity! I promise I'l search and read all your books now❤❤❤❤

[@Lee-qj1wu]

🙄

[@jmerton8362]

Peter Diamandis is one of the most optimistic people out there. I would recommend looking up his KZbin talks and reading his book called "Abundance." A welcome reprieve from the constant bombardment of negativity we're hit with on a daily basis.

[@heinousanus9352]

The world just needs so many more of that dude.

[@davidfisher6528]

A moral obligation. That means we gotta start getting along folks or we’re all getting put in time out permanently.

[@brianmi40]

AI will be what puts them there.

[@katherandefy]

We will because the biological pressure to compete wains with age.

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

@@katherandefy There is no biological pressure to compete. What part of your body causes you strain if you are not in competition? The idea alone is not only argumentative but also cancels itself out. To apply pressure is to reduce ability. If the pressure is released directly before competition, then the restriction would not allow for practicality. You would have to be competing to not have the biological pressure applied.

[@j-is-meas-you-see3210]

StarTalk Rocks!!! Thanks Neil

[@stablegenius1595]

At 25:00 “The business model breaks”🤣🤣😂😂

[@joequam5146]

LOVE Peter Diamandis! Such an optimist ❤

[@frawgi3]

I don't think i could handle a conversation with so much physical touching

[@alswedgin9274]

When 2 kindred minds connect.

[@farmergiles1065]

How do you handle a conversation without touching it? And haven't you ever had a physical reaction to a (literally) non-physical experience? Star gazing? Watching a movie? Conversing? Of course, if conversing doesn't touch you, then what's the point? Pretty universal, I'd say. People are both mental and physical. You really can't do one without the other, even if you wanted to. You yourself said "touching" and "handle". There's reason we all use that kind of language to describe things, even non-physical ones.

[@fsckool6894]

are you human?

[@lysandertavish1684]

This is a normal amount of physical contact between close friends, so if this is not comfortable for you then you might just be a bit neurodivergent that's all.

[@farmergiles1065]

@@lysandertavish1684 Right about the contact. But neurodivergent? That smacks of fancy-pantsy name-calling. Statistically, 50% of people fall within the "norm" (center of the bell curve). That makes 50% "divergent". I call that the spice of life, not a psychological condition. And if my opinion diverges from the norm, I generally call that a good thing.

[@mbctraining]

Love StarTalk. Used to put on the explainer videos to listen to in the car, taking my daughter to school. Completely changed her comprehension of science from academic textbook to real life relevant. Thanks Neil!

[@soci0path]

I'm almost 50, I wake up everyday in pain sometimes more then when I went to sleep. I have no desire to live longer. Peter wants to improve quality of life for older people. Thanks

[@simpaijam7889]

You gotta exercise and eat healthy. You’ll feel a lot better

[@syyneater]

⁠@@simpaijam7889​​⁠​⁠That’s not really helpful. You know nothing about the OP’s life or circumstances. Speaking for myself, 10 knee surgeries, and a host of other issues, make it incredibly hard to maintain regular exercise, though I still push through it. So why don’t you tell me exactly what exercise, and diet, you’re going to recommend so I get to stop living every single second of every single day, like the last 20 years have been, pain free and feeling better.

[@huldu]

I think a lot of people underestimate our mental "health" as we get older. It's not just about our physical body but our mind. I'm not talking about diseases and problems that affect the brain but mental fatigue, living day after day for the sake of it. It seems like borderline torture. However if things like that sorts out in the future then sure I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I get the feeling the longer we live the more crazy we'll become. It reminds me of vampires that can live for hundreds of years and some even over a thousand. I can't even imagine what something like that would do to your mind and as a person.

[@Synathidy]

@@huldu There are people who have nigh-infinite appetite for new knowledge and skill acquisition. Those people (I'm one of them) could CERTAINLY live rich and happy lives well beyond the current human lifespan, just learning new hobbies and improving in all sorts of ways, provided science allowed them to still have functional anatomy for that long. I could see a good 200-300 years being spent happily, for sure. Now going much longer, approaching 1,000..... that's harder to fathom. I wouldn't know how I'd feel until actually experiencing it, I think. I really feel like 80-100 years is way too short to experience meaningful growth of the mind. We all die dumb, with lots left to learn.

[@holmesketrick7]

StarTalk Posts. I click.

[@leddielive]

Is that some kind of a euthnism & if so for what?

[@Blaz1ngFury]

@@leddieliveare you dense?

[@dannybell926]

This was a great interview. Thanks to both of you

[@davidskybrody]

Brought the best out of one another. Good charismatic chemistry.

[@macronomicus]

Its nice to see you with a friend Neil, the rapport & appreciation is so apparent, makes the conversation even greater. I always loved Peter Diamandis amazing optimism & zeal for advancement, if he's your friend that speaks volumes.

[@krishchetty]

Fun episode and so insightful

[@seanmostert4213]

Neil, your insights and knowledge add great value to discussions, and we all appreciate what you bring to the table. However, I've noticed that frequent interruptions can make it challenging for others to fully express themselves. While your contributions are highly valued, it might enhance the conversation more if we could also hear more from your guests without so many interruptions, allowing them to share their perspectives and enjoy their moments in the limelight."

[@huhuruz77]

Wonderful conversation ! Thank you.

[@alswedgin9274]

Informative and inspiring once again.

[@d.everettday5150]

Each generation should be improving on the progress of the previous one. Why shouldn't life and health expectancy improve and increase as a result? Never underestimate the resilience of mankind's understanding of the unknown.

[@ray_ray_7112]

Great conversation! Both were great listeners and great speakers.

[@luv1ngu]

One of the best episodes

[@sekaramochi]

And Neil dude please please please never stop ♥️

[@SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

Great talk I enjoyed it.❤

[@jamesneutron1351]

I hear a lot of people going on long, detailed explanations on why they can just no longer watch the show. Opinions be opinions, but I hope these people understand these guests come on knowing what type of interviewer Tyson is, and they're typically smart enough folks to not lose themselves when he turns into a total goof. I'd say either appreciate it for what it is or not. I and a good majority of people love the way the show is .

[@Classified_gaming509]

Super excited for Neil to come to utah in April!

[@OneLeggedDiver]

Them tickets are crazy expensive

[@Classified_gaming509]

@@OneLeggedDiver true but im still excited because im a absolutely massive science nerd

[@shakira.rahman8786]

Never heard or seen this man before, don't know what type of person he is............... But i sincerely thank him for being the unsung hero behind countless innovations in our life❤ He is without a doubt, a true champion of the human spirit 🙌

[@DrSabriBebawi]

Honorable Neil Tyson, why do people want to extend their lifespan? This is a question that I have been wondering about for a long time.

[@wagoholics]

This all started in the garden of Eden and here we are knocking on the door of where it all started! My beloved brothers and sisters be wise in these times we are living in!

[@joseimpact]

great episode

[@JustinPayton]

Really enjoyed this podcast of hearing half of Peter's answer before Neil interrupts with his own quip

[@norweijanspruce]

The Journey from Simple to COMPLEX

[@SiqueScarface]

To put it in perspective: Humanity reached the Moon. That was about an one million kilometer (or seven hundred thousands miles) roundtrip. Many of us have driven their cars longer than that during their lifetime. A trip to the Moon is still a very earthly distance. A trip to Mars will be a 100 million kilometer trip, and coming back another 100 million kilometer. To achieve the same distance on Earth, you would have to travel 6000 km each day during a 90 years period - no human has ever traveled this distance, not even commercial airline crews. And this is only Mars. We are not talking the outer planets yet, and the next star is more than 1000 times that distance.

[@nathanmoore1893]

The in person star talks are the best. Don’t get me wrong, the zoom ones are great too.

[@SilverFan21k]

Wow!!!! Amazing video just found it

[@FALL-IN]

The Marines of education ❤

[@ttt5020]

You can tell by the teasing touches they are great friends!

[@DjebiLoftin]

I found the poking of his forehead and grabbing his face to be disrespectful.

[@yungluvin9220]

​@@DjebiLoftini find you to be very annoying

[@PattyBryant-mh4dd]

Very Intresting Chat 💛 Star Talk is Awesomes!! 🥰 💛 Great Guest 🥰

[@user-sg5ce8tv7e]

Carl Sagan of our time! If I could only share a meal before I shuffle out!

[@shane1067]

only 140k views?! I love peter diamandis.

[@TEAML3ZAR]

Hello Neil!

[@BobLinton]

Love it!

[@norweijanspruce]

There SHOULD BE a National advisor to the Congress that can EXPLAIN stuff, in layman's terms, to the people who SOULD KNOW about new technology

[@poloboy5680]

I wish he would've spoken more to the previous Tricorder X Prize. Such a device would a be a game changer for health care.

[@mohtx]

thanks

[@shredded1010]

Best to reinterview this guy after a decade

[@Monk_Mode_Master]

I can't believe Age reversal technology is around the corner

[@akshat9364]

I feel more knowledgeable. Thanks to this boiling frog podcast ❤

[@easymoneysniper9013]

2024 January and February were the hottest in the history of recored mankind. Beating the previous years record.. And next year will likely beat this year. How bout THAT. Humanity won't have a future if there's no food on earth. Jeff bezos. He's got like what 260 billion dollars could fix all kinds of problems overnight and just doesn't. What a hero

[@nmaikowski8013]

For levels in construction with the bubble in the glass that tells you if a surface is level, What happens to that bubble as you near the karman line?

[@sadjitmetovic8578]

Great!!!

[@bobnelson6093]

My God, let these ground-breaking geniuses have their say!

[@blarblablarblar]

My two main problems with living forever are 1. I probably gotta wait longer to retire 2. There's no stipulation that says my mental faculties are retained

[@joppadoni]

Two of the best names. I mean just reading the names... LOL. Great show. Thank you.

[@marinalomanova8077]

@WOW ITs so great

[@aoifedeborha2420]

Yay!!! It’s been a while 😂

[@skarkatrongard2344]

@StarTalk Wondering why Dr. Diamandis does not include recent data from Europe regarding drinking coffee in his Longevity program? I'm interested on his responses to that study.

[@alswedgin9274]

26:00 i was waiting for that comment.

[@tiago.alegria.315]

With biotechnology we may live forever

[@purplehazecfv5847]

I couldn't help but notice you neglected to mention Telomere research.

[@norweijanspruce]

I've heard Believe nothing you hear and Half of what you see, but THIS IS RIDICULOUS

[@QuickCanon]

Good

[@deucedaprodeuca]

They say the first person to live forever, is alive today.

[@jmanj3917]

35:32 I just realized something, Doc... Where's Chuck? 🤣

[@jsteins]

This was a Better discussion without all the interruptions from Chuck, and the artificial himor ovettone that detracts from the topic that you are wanting to present.

[@aniken2448]

@@jsteinsNot everyone can handle straight science talk like you and I apparently can. Whether or not you agree, Chuck adds value in being able to reach, to educate people that otherwise wouldn't listen. Have a nice day. :)

[@AliHussein30605]

❤❤❤

[@huruduru5144]

In 2021, the global average life expectancy was just over 70 years. This is an astonishing fact - because just two hundred years ago, it was less than half. This was the case for all world regions: in 1800, no region had a life expectancy higher than 40 years.

[@ericcrawford6641]

Russia gave me the inception to consider going to a new earth which we've discovered already last year (Earth TOI 700) and I'm also awaiting space hotels of the year 2027

[@donbailey3484]

How manny stars would it take to produce the complex molecules for life and how long would it take for that quantity to reach our solar system?

[@mr.critic]

⚡⚡

[@alswedgin9274]

46:00 facts and that's where our 'critical thinking' comes in to place, take nothing for granted.

[@WackyGameEngineer]

That was acutaly funny. Looked like they are great buddys :)

[@user-hz3xo8xw6n]

We have the moral obligation to end poverty

[@saganworshipper6062]

This guy's voice sounds just like Max Tegmark!

[@NJovceski]

This was really great to listen to. It's great to hear all the things that are in the pipeline of future human development. I want to be optimistic but I worry about the capitalist lens put on basic needs. It feels.like.its heading towards a path of "survival of the richest".

[@savvyhyde8833]

OP crime against all of humanity

[@funknunkl]

It's our moral obligation to populate beyond earth? Realy?! Why can't we first "fix" earth. I'd say that's truly a moral obligation.

[@norweijanspruce]

I NOMINATE NIEL DE GRASSE

[@TSHEKHAN]

I literally watched all ur videos and just finally relized that im drowning my own thoughts, every night with ur talk, instead of reflecting. Well, time to put on the big boy pants and play. Catch ya later Neil.

[@Sammasambuddha]

@4:27 The "look" Peter gives Neil when he crosses the line with his aspergers syndrome. 😂

[@norweijanspruce]

I used to live at Cincinnatti 24 Ohio

[@ShutterJunkie]

I generally view the future as being full of doom and gloom. Neil and friends always lets a little light in.

[@Russia-bullies]

There was no Russia when the man 1st went to space/when Sputnik got into space.Peter Diamandis should appear more often.

[@norweijanspruce]

IF the knowledge ISN'T COPYRIGHTED and BURIED

[@anatoliisamoilenko7390]

Thank you! Glory from Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦💪❤️❤️

[@vivekvicky2595]

you mean Russia?

[@Ben-ek6pj]

You mean earth? 🌍 💫

[@jeffbeck8993]

Slava!

[@user-yo7ub8xx6w]

@@vivekvicky2595 Mmm mmm Mmm

[@user-yg7ic7ju9j]

Glory to Russia 🇷🇺

[@bobcool97]

Question to all the smarter people. Can you cure muscular dystrophy with genetic engineering?

[@alswedgin9274]

at what stage?

[@alswedgin9274]

and how much money do you have?

[@bobcool97]

@@alswedgin9274 if we are being honest I have the weakest form of Becker MD, i was diagnosed at 5 I’m 26 now. Tbh idk the stage I’m at and I don’t have money but would be willing to do trials if anything! Get rid of this issues that has lost so many lives and held so many people back from living full lives!

[@jonnylightbody301]

10+ years battery charge, with out charging it. for moblie phone device

[@CoderDBF]

Better not be another 30 years until you get him on again.

[@lawrenceiverson1924]

RE;longevity --Who remembers Dr. Swift's immortals ---the struldbrugs --very old folks stumbling around demented and barely alive....

[@PeaceProfit]

Humanities fate as it consumes and changes its environment, is that of frogs in a pond, moving into a swamp, building to higher ground and evolving toward the stars... 👣🕊👽

[@norweijanspruce]

You might find that ATTITUDE has a WAY Bigger responsibility for your health than ANY other influence.

[@babyKazyyy]

I thought there was a green screen 12:40

[@RussPatton]

Many railroads were built in the USA by similar winner-take-all competitions.

[@alexkiddonen]

Where's Chuc Knice?

[@bradspring8332]

I once heard Neil say fish live in an environment of water. We live on land. What is to say penguins can’t fly? In water they fly but in air they don’t. They live in water and land. So it’s a perspective on what flying is to a land animal like us to say the only way to fly is in the air but one cannot fly in water. Humans seem to only think inside the box.

[@guisteyn8096]

You mentioned that the trade winds go west to east. How does sand from the Sahara feed the Amazon? Isn't that east to west?

[@HardwoodSports]

Where is Chuck?

[@officialwildcardadventures]

@25:58 its not just the "in the wheelchair slobbering" it's also that many of us don't like the idea of the government manipulating the animal farm to have is all work til we're 80 instead of 65 as well. We've had our lives monetized from birth to death. We would all seek to extend our lives if we thought we would be truly free to enjoy life.

[@shaojie12]

This reminds me of the opening of Matrix 45:57

[@King_Dusty_Of_Pookytopia]

The best "example" of a deep fake was on Star Trek: Discovery season 2. The communications system. That was scariest thing on that show because it is becoming real.