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