Podcast Summary

The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

Episode 1407: “The Nobel Prize Molecule That Nearly Doubles Lifespan”
Guest: Chris Perez (comedian, entrepreneur, original manufacturer of C60/ESS60)
Date: January 30, 2026
Theme: Deep dive into the “Nobel Prize molecule” C60/ESS60, its origins, mechanisms, history, and potential for mitochondrial support, resilience, longevity, and performance optimization.

Episode Overview

Dave Asprey and guest Chris Perez explore Carbon 60 (C60), also known as ESS60, a soccer-ball shaped carbon molecule famed for its radical properties and its astonishing longevity effects in animal studies. They discuss its history, how it’s manufactured for human supplementation, proposed mechanisms on mitochondrial function, practical use cases, scientific evidence, and personal anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. C60/ESS60: History & Significance

• Discovery & Nobel Prize: C60 discovered in 1985 (Rice University); Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded in 1996.
  “[The scientists who discovered the molecule] went on to win the Nobel prize for that discovery. The molecule is amazing.” — Chris Perez (04:50)
• Manufacturing Origins: Chris’s company started making it in 1990 for research, long before mass awareness and Nobel recognition.
• Properties:
  • Electrically and chemically unique; forms “buckyballs.”
  • Strong, stable, and can withstand high-impact collisions.
  • Largest molecule known to display quantum behavior (double-slit experiment, 10:49).

2. From Material Science to Human Longevity

• Initial Use: Initially used in inks, batteries, tires, and other industrial applications.
• Health Space Entry: A 2012 peer-reviewed study showed C60 dissolved in olive oil increased rats’ lifespan by 90% with no observed toxicity (13:51).

  “That’s the single longest longevity experimental result on mammals in history.” — Chris Perez (12:07)

• Supplement Evolution: ESS60 is a purified, supplement-grade form. Dave and Chris reflect on early days when stability and purity were issues.

3. Proposed Mechanisms of Action

• Buffering Oxidative Stress System (BOSS) Theory:
  ESS60 acts as a selective antioxidant, quenching excess negatively charged reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the mitochondrial level, thereby buffering oxidative stress without blocking beneficial exercise-induced ROS.

  “It’s a selective antioxidant… only hydrogen gas comes close to that function.” — Dave Asprey (15:43)

• Mitochondrial Support:
  It crosses cell and mitochondrial membranes, potentially improving energy efficiency and reducing damage from excess oxidative byproducts.

  "It holds up to six negatively charged particles… can be stored and processed later." — Chris Perez (24:39)

• Analogies:

  • Mardi Gras: ESS60 as a “paddy wagon” for reactive species (26:12).

• Quantum & Electrical Properties:
  Possible effects due to its superconductive and quantum behavior.

4. Evidence & Human Observations

• Animal Studies:

  • Massive lifespan increases (rats, 90% longer).
  • Resiliency against liver toxins (carbon tetrachloride) (13:51).

• Human Results:

  • Subjective Reports: Focus and energy (Month 1), better sleep (Month 2), systemic benefits (Month 3+), migraine reduction, improved resilience and recovery, athletic performance (16:22, 39:59).

    “Our most consistent testimonials… focus and energy during the day, and then better sleep that night.” — Chris Perez (16:22)

  • Biomarker Changes: Lowered inflammatory marker HSCRP, improved glycan age and DNA methylation, reduced C-reactive protein and inflammation in humans and animals (20:15).

    “I regressed one year biologically when I had chronologically aged three years. I’m happy with that direction.” — Chris Perez (20:15)

• Migraines:
  Chris and others reported significant reduction in frequency and severity.

• Performance and Recovery:
  Noted by elite athletes (e.g., Anthony Kunkel) for reduced damage, not just faster recovery.

  “He felt like our product could be the difference between having running as a hobby and running as a career.” — Chris Perez (40:56)

5. Practical Usage: Formats, Dosing, Stacking

• Formulation:
  ESS60 is hydrophobic and delivered dissolved in oils (usually extra virgin olive oil, sometime MCT or avocado for preference).
  • Olive oil offers highest concentration (0.8mg/ml vs. 0.3mg/ml for MCT).
• Capsules:
  Now available for travel convenience (22:55).
• Dosing:
  Typical serving is one teaspoon (ampule format also available).
• Topical Use:
  New skin serum (ESS60 with GHK-Cu copper peptide) reported to improve complexion and support skin health (47:45).
• Stacking:
  Can be combined with most mitochondrial enhancers (methylene blue, red light, etc.). Only known caution is with intravenous UV therapy (43:28).
• Storage:
  Best stored in dark, cool places to avoid oxidation; oil may be better preserved with ESS60.

6. Safety & Regulation

• Toxicology:
  No toxicity seen in published animal studies and human use to date.
• Supplement Regulation:
  Thorough discussion of FDA and FTC regulation of supplements (32:09). Truthful scientific claims required.
• Internal Testing & Research:
  Chris’s company invests in ongoing research (34:01), including sleep and migraine studies and biomarker tracking.

7. Notable Quotes & Moments

On the magnitude of longevity effect:

• “If humans were to live 90% longer, the average human would live to 152… it’s the average human, not just the oldest." — Chris Perez (00:11)

On quantum properties:

• "This is the largest molecule to exhibit quantum behavior… if no one's observing it, the C60 will show up on both [sides of the slit]." — Chris Perez (10:50)

On the importance of biohacking:

• "If you're a chronic cardio person, you probably should be on this because you're not doing your biology." — Dave Asprey (40:35)
• “Every single one of them, when we enhance mitochondrial function, say the same thing: my powers got better.” — Dave Asprey (00:51 & 62:10)

On practical skepticism:

• "Some people will say, I don’t want to take something unless I know how it works… we don’t know how almost anything works.” — Dave Asprey (27:41)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• Origin & discovery of C60, Nobel Prize: 04:50–07:19
• Explanation of the buckyball structure: 05:42–06:19
• Quantum effects and analogy: 10:49–12:07
• Animal longevity study details: 12:07–14:26
• Mechanism: BOSS theory & selective antioxidant: 14:32–15:55
• Practical dosing & intake methods: 22:37–23:41
• Anecdotes on sleep, energy, migraines: 16:22, 36:16
• Human biomarker testing results: 19:08–20:15
• Athletic performance and resilience: 39:59–41:44
• Stacking with other biohacks: 42:58–43:28
• Regulation & research philosophy: 32:09–34:42
• Topical skin application products: 47:45–52:43
• Discussion on who benefits most: 52:48–54:57
• Deep philosophical wrap-up on mitochondria, consciousness, and altered states: 62:02–63:51

Memorable Moments

• Dave realizing he took C60 made by Chris Perez nearly 20 years ago (04:08)
• The Mardi Gras analogy for oxidative species management (26:12)
• Chris's honesty about being a conservative scientist, initially labeling C60 as “not for human consumption” despite biohacker demand (28:59)
• Dave’s insistence on improving mitochondria for not just lifespan, but consciousness and happiness:

  “If it can make my mitochondria work better… actually would increase consciousness, not just human performance. And that’s really the game.” (63:08)

• Humor and improv banter, including the Schrodinger’s Flirt joke (61:10)

Final Thoughts

• ESS60 (purified C60) appears to be a uniquely promising mitochondrial and anti-aging molecule, with both striking animal results and compelling clinical/personal data suggesting improved energy, sleep, inflammation, resilience, athletic performance, and even mental focus.
• Still, most existing evidence is preclinical, anecdotal, or based on small studies—self-experimentation and caution are encouraged.
• The biohacking movement played a key role in popularizing this once-obscure lab chemical.
• ESS60 is available as an oil-based supplement and in topical formulations; capsules now exist for easier travel.
• Guest Chris Perez offers legitimate research, careful science, and a willingness to engage in ongoing studies rather than unsubstantiated hype.

Resources

• Product/discount: myvitalc.com/humanupgrade — Listeners receive a significant discount and option to donate to anti-trafficking charity with book purchase.
• Book: “Live Longer and Better” by Chris Perez.
• Further studies: Research ongoing into sleep, migraines, markers of inflammation, and potential longevity effects in humans.

Summary by The Human Upgrade Summarizer. This summary captures key scientific, technical, and practical aspects of the episode, along with timestamps, notable quotes, and episode highlights in the original tone of the conversation.