Imagine that: If you could change one of the genes in an experiment, an aging gene, maybe you could slow down aging and extend lifespan.

You could have two completely different careers if you could stay healthy to 90. How fascinating that would be.

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

If I were a worm, I would rather be the long-lived mutant than the normal worm, that's for sure.

I eat some fruit every day, but not too much and almost no processed food. I stay away from sweets, except 80 per cent chocolate.

The hope is that if we can increase youthfulness, we can postpone age-related diseases.

I loved the idea that biology was logical.