Dr. Nir Barzilai, an Israeli-born geneticist and longevity researcher, is the director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Renowned for his groundbreaking work on the genetics of exceptional longevity, Dr. Barzilai has identified several "longevity genes" and leads international efforts to develop therapeutics targeting aging and age-related diseases.
Early Life and Education in Ireland
Nir Barzilai was born on December 27, 1955, in Haifa, Israel. He served as a medical instructor and chief medic in the Israel Defense Forces, participating in notable operations such as Operation Entebbe. Barzilai pursued his medical education at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, earning his MD in 1985. He completed internships at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, and the Royal Free Hospital in London. In 1987, he moved to the United States for a residency at Yale University and joined the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1993 as an instructor of medicine (endocrinology)[2][3].
Military Service and Medical Training
Dr. Nir Barzilai's military service and medical training are marked by significant contributions and rigorous education. He served as a chief medic and physician in the Israel Defense Forces, where he was involved in critical missions, including Operation Entebbe. Following his military service, Barzilai pursued medical training at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, earning his MD in 1985. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem and furthered his training with fellowships at Yale University in metabolism and at Cornell University in endocrinology and molecular medicine[1][2][3].
Founding the Institute for Aging Research
Dr. Nir Barzilai founded the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also serves as the director. The institute focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and identifying genetic factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. Barzilai's work has led to the discovery of several "longevity genes" and the development of potential therapeutics targeting age-related diseases. His research includes the Longevity Genes Project, which studies the genetic makeup of Ashkenazi Jewish families with a history of exceptional longevity, and the Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) study, which aims to demonstrate the efficacy of metformin in delaying age-related diseases[1][2][3].
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