In the early '90s, we discovered mutations that could double the normal life span of worms.

You would think that UV just causes mutations, but it doesn't, you need a gene to be active for it.

If the aging process is controlled in a similar way in worms and humans, then we can use what we learn about worms to speed our study of higher organisms.

I loved the idea that biology was logical.

In principle, if you understood the mechanisms of keeping things repaired, you could keep things going indefinitely.

It was like stepping on to an escalator; I could do anything. I was just made for science.

Life's too short to not be around nice people.