Dr. Saul Newman, an interdisciplinary researcher at University College London and the University of Oxford, recently won an Ig Nobel prize for his research on claims of people living extraordinarily long lives. In an interview with Madeleine Finlay, he explains that many of these claims come from places with short lifespans, no birth certificates, and a high prevalence of clerical errors and pension fraud.
Dr. Newman shared his experiences of searching for the world’s centenarians and discussed how his work has been received by the longevity research community. His findings challenge the credibility of claims of extreme longevity and highlight the importance of verifying such claims before accepting them as fact.
The Ig Nobel prize is awarded to research that first makes people laugh, and then makes them think. Dr. Newman’s work certainly fits this criteria, as it sheds light on the potential inaccuracies and myths surrounding claims of people living well beyond the average human lifespan.
Listeners can hear more about Dr. Newman’s research and his journey to debunking myths of extreme longevity by tuning into the podcast interview with Madeleine Finlay. The conversation delves into the complexities of longevity research and the importance of approaching such claims with skepticism and critical analysis.
Overall, Dr. Newman’s work serves as a valuable reminder to question extraordinary claims and seek evidence-based explanations in scientific research. His Ig Nobel prize win adds a humorous touch to a serious topic, sparking laughter and thought-provoking discussions in the scientific community.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
