EP 1372
1372. The Nobel Prize Molecule That Nearly Doubled Lifespan
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey sits down with Chris Burres, founder and chief scientist of MyVitalC, for a deep, systems-level conversation on carbon 60, mitochondria, and longevity science. They unpack how this Nobel Prize–winning molecule delivered the single longest lifespan extension ever recorded in mammal studies, why it behaves differently from traditional antioxidants, and how it interacts with mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and cellular energy. Dave and Chris explore the real-world biohacking implications of C60, including sleep optimization, human performance, metabolism, and anti-aging strategies, while addressing purity, stability, and supplement industry pitfalls. The discussion spans quantum biology, selective antioxidants, biological age testing, athletic performance, migraines, and why mitochondrial health may influence cognition, resilience, and even consciousness.
Subscribe To The Human Upgrade
In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
In the late 1990s, a strange carbon molecule quietly delivered the single longest lifespan extension ever recorded in mammals. The rats lived about 90% longer, and almost no one was paying attention. This episode breaks down what that molecule is, why it works, and how it may upgrade mitochondria, sleep, and human performance when used correctly.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Chris Burres, founder and chief scientist of MyVitalC and the original long-term manufacturer of carbon 60. Chris has produced this Nobel Prize–winning molecule since the early 1990s, supplying research institutions around the world years before it ever entered the biohacking space. He explains how carbon 60 behaves differently from traditional antioxidants, why stability and concentration used to be major problems, and how modern manufacturing finally made real-world use possible. Chris is also a published author, longevity summit host, patent holder, and longtime science communicator who brings rare clarity and humor to complex biology.
Dave and Chris explore how carbon 60 interacts with mitochondria, oxidative stress, metabolism, and electrical signaling in the body, and where it fits alongside ketosis, nootropics, supplements, and functional medicine strategies. They also unpack why improving mitochondrial function often shows up first as better energy and sleep optimization, and how that foundation supports longevity, brain optimization, and Smarter Not Harder performance. Along the way, Dave shares his own early experience with C60, how he uses it today, and why it now shows up even in his Danger Coffee stack.
You’ll Learn:
- Why carbon 60 produced the longest longevity result ever recorded in mammal studies
- How mitochondrial efficiency shapes energy, sleep, and human performance
- What makes C60 a selective antioxidant instead of a blunt one
- Why purity, concentration, and stability determine whether a supplement works
- How carbon 60 fits into biohacking stacks built around ketosis and metabolism
- What users report first, from focus and resilience to deeper sleep
- Why mitochondrial health underpins long-term anti-aging strategies
- How to think about supplements through a Smarter Not Harder lens
Affiliates:
- Vibrant Blue Oils | Grab a full-size bottle for over 50% off at https://vibrantblueoils.com/dave.
- ECHO Water | Go to http://echowater.com/dave and use code DAVE10 for 10% off your ECHO Flask.
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Keywords: carbon 60 podcast, C60 longevity science, biohacking mitochondria, mitochondrial optimization podcast, anti-aging supplements science, human performance longevity, selective antioxidant mitochondria, sleep optimization biohacking, brain optimization supplements, nootropics longevity stack, ketosis metabolism longevity, functional medicine mitochondria, oxidative stress longevity, carbon 60 supplement science, MyVitalC podcast, Chris Burres interview, Dave Asprey biohacking, Danger Coffee stack, Smarter Not Harder longevity, Nobel Prize molecule longevity, mitochondrial health podcast
Resources:
- Get a 30% discount on your next purchase of ESS60 at: https://www.myvitalc.com/pages/humanupgradeod?ref=humanupgrade
- Get My 2026 Biohacking Trends Report: https://daveasprey.com/2026-biohacking-trends-report/
- Join My Low-Oxalate 30-Day Challenge: https://daveasprey.com/2026-low-ox-reset/
- Dave Asprey’s Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/tojoin Inside Track today.
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15
- My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs(15% Off)
- Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark(15% Off)
- Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated
- Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
“My powers got better. One friend in his 80s called me with tears in his eyes and said, you gave me my powers back.”
Chris Burres
0:00 – Introduction & C60 Discovery
Dave introduces C60, a carbon molecule that extended rat lifespan by 90% in early studies
4:04 – The Molecule & Nobel Prize
Chris explains how C60 was discovered in 1985 and earned three scientists the Nobel Prize in 1996
8:27 – Quantum Properties & Superconductivity
Discussion of C60’s unique electrical properties and quantum behavior at room temperature
11:16 – Rat Longevity Study Results
Deep dive into the landmark study showing 90% life extension and liver protection in rats
14:33 – Selective Antioxidant Properties
How ESS60 targets only harmful oxidative stress while preserving beneficial exercise adaptations
15:51 – User Experience & Timeline
What to expect: month one brings focus and energy, month two improves sleep, month three shows systemic benefits
18:15 – Biological Age Testing
Chris shares his personal results showing 20–34 years younger on various biological age tests
21:33 – Why Oil & Product Development
Explanation of why C60 must be dissolved in oil for bioavailability and the gel cap solution
23:32 – Mechanism of Action
The BOSS theory explains how ESS60 buffers reactive oxygen species in mitochondria to prevent cellular damage
28:13 – Biohacker Discovery Story
How early biohackers discovered C60’s benefits in 2013 despite “not for human consumption” labels
30:03 – FDA & Supplement Regulation
Discussion of supplement industry oversight and MyVitalC’s commitment to research and transparency
32:34 – Research & Studies
Overview of ongoing human studies including sleep, HSCRP inflammation markers, and migraine research
33:50 – Migraines & Clinical Observations
Chris shares how his migraines dropped from 4–5 per year to 1–2 with reduced severity
37:53 – Athletic Performance
Ultra-runner Anthony Kunkel explains improved strength and stability during extreme endurance events
40:43 – Stacking & Contraindications
What stacks well with ESS60, including red light and methylene blue, plus the one caution with UV therapy
45:57 – Skincare Product
Introduction to the two-part Skin Redo system combining ESS60 with GHK copper peptide for anti-aging
50:43 – Who Benefits Most
Why people pushing their physical or mental limits see the biggest gains from mitochondrial support
60:37 – Mitochondria & Consciousness
Dave explains how stronger mitochondrial function amplifies intuition, creativity, and altered states
1:02:03 – Where to Buy & Closing
How to access the special discount at myvitalc.com/humanupgrade and support Operation Underground Railroad
Enjoy the show!
LISTEN:
“Follow” or “subscribe” to The Human Upgrade™ with Dave Asprey on your favorite podcast platform.
REVIEW:
Go to Apple Podcasts at daveasprey.com/apple and leave a (hopefully) 5-star rating and a creative review.
FEEDBACK:
Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form!
SOCIAL:
Follow @thehumanupgradepodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
JOIN:
Learn directly from Dave Asprey alongside others in a membership group: ourupgradecollective.com.
Subscribe To The Human Upgrade
Similar Episodes
Subscribe To The Human Upgrade
BOOKS
4X NEW YORK TIMES
BEST-SELLING SCIENCE AUTHOR
Smarter
Not Harder
Smarter Not Harder: The Biohacker’s Guide to Getting the Body and Mind You Want is about helping you to become the best version of yourself by embracing laziness while increasing your energy and optimizing your biology.
Also Available
