June 8, 2026: A Colorado researcher pioneers the genetics of aging; Purplish on Tina Peters

June 8, 2026: A Colorado researcher pioneers the genetics of aging; Purplish on Tina Peters

June 8, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the legacy of aging researcher Tom Johnson and the ongoing story of Tina Peters.

A pioneer in aging research has died. Tom Johnson proved that genes affect longevity. His work at the University of Colorado spawned an entire scientific field, and led to breakthroughs in diseases like Alzheimer's. For our series Aging Matters, we learn about Johnson’s legacy. Simon Melov worked with him as a post-doc in the 1990s. Melov's now a professor at California's Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Then, former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters is free, but her story's far from over. We get perspective from Purplish.

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