Embargoed: Thursday, April 24 at 11:30 AM EDT

On the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon scientists might actually be on the verge of a breakthrough in prolonging life. Some of the discoveries are amazing, like the enzyme that protects human cells from aging, and others highly controversial, such as the red wine compound that ignited a war over truth. Also the recent publicity for new companies, such as Google's Calico and Craig Venter’s Human Longevity, indicate a new commercial fascination with the goal.

But what happens when you take scientists, throw money at them and ask them to perform anti-aging miracles?

Newswise is offering reporters a behind-the-scenes look at the state of the research and the impact it might have on global public health by interacting with two leading scientists in the field and an author who has investigated the research for over a decade. With all the elements of a great story, the search for healthful human longevity sheds light on discoveries that could fundamentally reshape human life.

On Thurs., April 24 at 10:30 AM EDT, you are invited to attend a virtual conference featuring University of Illinois at Chicago professor S. Jay Olshansky and University of North Dakota physiologist Holly Brown-Borg, past president of the American Aging Association, and Ted Anton, DePaul University English professor and author of The Longevity Seekers. As the global population ages, the potential impact of these discoveries on society is vast—as is the potential for profit.

This live event provides reporters with the unique opportunity to encounter Drs. Anton, Olshansky and Brown-Borg face-to-face (virtual and video). The essence of this new technology for holding meetings is real-time engagement replicating the experience of being in a physical room with the source. All participants in the event will be on video (webcam) and visible to one another for improved interaction.

The Newswise Live welcome room for the event will open at 9:30 AM EDT. You are invited to drop in, get comfortable, address any technical issues you might encounter, then go about your work until the event begins at 10:30 AM EDT. If this is your first time participating in a Newswise Live event, we urge you join the welcome room early. A limited number of journalists will have access to the room; those who arrive first are guaranteed entry.

From your Internet browser click: https://newswiselive.zoom.us/j/7459578068 and follow the simple directions.

To register for this event and/or to request notifications of upcoming Newswise Live events, please click the "Register" button below: