Michael Ristow University of Jena, Germany

Michael Ristow serves as a Professor for Energy Metabolism and Director of the Institute of Translation Medicine at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Siwtzerland. His research is focused on the biochemical and molecular basis of longevity — in particular the role played by mitochondria in lifespan regulation and prevention of metabolic diseases. Contrary to the widely re-iterated Free Radical Theory of Aging, Ristow was the first to show that the health-promoting effects associated with low caloric intake, physical exercise and other lifespan-extending interventions like sirtuin signaling are caused by increased formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the mitochondria, causing a vaccination-like adaptive response that culminates in increased stress resistance and extended longevity, a process called mitohormesis. He works with the roundworm C. elegans and mammalian model organisms, as well as humans.

Lab Website: http://www.energymetab.ethz.ch/