In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Kejun (Albert) Ying, a computational biologist and aging researcher working at the intersection of AI, protein design, and longevity science. Albert's work spans designing novel proteins never seen in nature, applying large-scale AI models to millions of RNA-seq samples, and uncovering potential anti-aging effects hidden in existing drugs.
Splitting his time between the Baker Lab at the University of Washington and the Vies-Carre Lab at Stanford, Albert brings a rare systems-level perspective on how computation, biology, and experimentation can converge to tackle aging as an engineering problem. The conversation explores why aging became his central focus, how AI is reshaping biological discovery, and what it might take to meaningfully extend human healthspan.
00:00 - The integrated future of AI in daily life and science
02:19 - Introduction to Albert Ying’s background and research
04:17 - Inspiration from Aubrey de Grey and shifts toward computational biology
07:37 - Challenges with longitudinal aging data
11:16 - Large-scale analysis with AI for aging interventions
14:23 - Validation and regulatory pathways for aging biomarkers
14:43 - The concept of autonomous AI agents in scientific discovery
16:23 - How foundation models learn biology and their limitations
18:07 - The impact of protein structure prediction tools like AlphaFold
22:51 - Next steps after identifying promising aging interventions
27:21 - The vision of AI operating seamlessly in background science infrastructure
31:25 - The vision and mechanics of decentralized science with Avanasi Labs
36:39 - Data privacy, security, and ethical considerations for decentralized platforms
40:03 - Rethinking aging for better data collection and understanding
47:30 - Insights from long-lived mammals and comparative genomics
49:15 - Transitioning to a faculty role and research environment
50:55 - Broader scientific interests beyond aging and AI
52:23 - The search for extraterrestrial life and the Drake equation
54:10 - Influence of science fiction, Three Body Problem, and multi-generational narratives
57:38 - Career advice for young scientists in a changing landscape
59:16 - The evolving role of human skills amidst AI and automation
