Field Notes #001: Back in NYC, Testing the System
Repacking, reset protocols, and the things aging us faster than time.
Hi from the corner of the internet where I overthink the future of health.
This is the first drop of my weekly newsletter: a mix of things I’ve bookmarked, side-eyed, or deep-dived into lately.
I love to make fun of our obsession with chasing metrics… but I also genuinely love the science. So expect a little skepticism, a little wonder, and a lot of “wait, what?” moments.
Writing as I’m getting ready to get on Jitney back to the city.
Last week was one of those classic NYC stretches - a blur of repacking my life, resetting my nervous system, and cramming in as many health rabbit holes as possible before escaping to the beach.
Conveniently, Scott Marciano brought his MYO Detox clinic to Flatiron this week and slotted me in for a session with Rachel. She worked on my shoulder (wrecked from dragging an obviously oversized, overweight carry-on through Europe), and honestly - it was magic. Physical therapy on steroids. Can’t recommend enough.
There was also a snack stop at the new IMPACT Café - the Canadian import that’s gluten-free, oil-free, and refined-sugar-free, but still manages to taste like a treat. The turkey meatballs and chocolate balls? Worth it. I’m also back on matcha after listening to Dr. William Li on The Diary of a CEO (more on it below).
Then came a sprint to Dr. Jonathan Kuo at Extension Health. Somehow, we ended up going over my Superpower blood panel (more on that later) at Ruby’s Café, where he casually told me my thyroid’s low (I know, I know) - mid-bite of his beef sandwich.
If that’s not healthcare meeting you wherever you are, I don’t know what is.
THIS WEEK’S DOWNLOAD
Aka things I stumbled on this week, not necessarily released this week 🙂
📎 ARTICLES THAT COUGHT MY EYE
Step Aside, Longevity Bros. It’s Time for the Longevity Ladies - Amy Dockser Marcus, WSJ
Redefining Longevity - Currie Engel, Women’s Health
My Take: Both pieces spotlight the work of Dr. Jennifer Garrison at the Buck Institute and others who are finally bringing ovarian aging into the longevity conversation. Quick fact: ovaries age 2.5x faster than any other organ in the body. And yet, they’ve been largely ignored in research. Studying how and why they age so quickly isn’t just a reproductive issue—it could unlock breakthroughs in immune function, brain health, and lifespan itself.
Also worth noting: many of the biohacks we hear about weren’t tested on women. These articles remind us that the future of longevity has to be more inclusive - and that female-specific data isn’t a niche, it’s overdue.
New cholesterol treatment can cut levels by 69% after one dose, BBC Science Focus
My Take:
Nearly 40% of the population struggles with high cholesterol, and for years, daily statins have been the go-to fix. This new study points to something more promising: a single injection of VERVE-102 that can cut cholesterol by up to 69% - in just one dose. If it holds, it’s a potential game-changer: less daily management, more long-term repair.
Side note: There’s ongoing debate among scientists and doctors about whether high LDL (“bad” cholesterol) is truly harmful in all cases. Until we have tools that map an individual’s biology - not just population averages - it’s hard to say what’s truly “bad” for you.
🎧 PODCASTS WORTH YOUR TIME
Dr William Li on The Diary Of The CEO, We can now reverse stage 4 Cancer & These foods are spreading it
A powerful breakdown of how angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels) plays a key role in both fueling and fighting cancer—and how certain foods either block or accelerate that process. Dr. Li shares how new therapies are now reversing even stage 4 cancers by cutting off the blood supply tumors need to grow
My Take: I’ve followed Dr. William Li for a while - he’s one of the leading voices in using food as medicine. This episode is worth a listen for how certain superfoods (like matcha and green tea) can act as natural defenders against disease. It's a great reminder that what you eat really does shape your biology
Dr. Jessica Peatross on Environmental Aging, The Ultimate Human
Dr. Peatross breaks down how mold, parasites, and invisible toxins accelerate aging - and why detoxification isn’t a wellness trend but a biological need.
My Take: It’s honestly unnerving to realize how much toxicity we absorb just by existing. But our bodies aren't passive - they're built for detox. So don’t panic, there are easy ways to support your body detoxification - whether with things like dry-brushing and sauna to supplemental protocols. However, ff you’re dealing with brain fog, mystery fatigue or if you just live in NYC where mold exposure is high, this one’s worth a listen.
The Vatican on AI & Human Dignity, The Daily (NYT)
Why the Vatican is stepping into AI policy - and what it means for the future of ethics, personalization, and inequality.
My Take: A surprising listen but an important one. Health is no longer just about macros and markers - it’s about a system design with ethics, access and intention. If we’re building AI to optimize bodies, we have to ask: optimize for whom?
🧬 THE SCIENCE BIT
Longevity, movement, and memory decoded
Study 1: Physical Activity Cuts Mortality by 30–40%
Published July 11, 2025 – ScienceDaily
A massive meta-analysis of 85 studies shows that physical activity—at any age—dramatically reduces risk of early death. Even those who become active later in life (post-60) see strong benefits.
Study 2: Mood Gains Strongest When You Enjoy the Movement
Published July 13, 2025 – ScienceDaily
Exercise done for joy—not obligation—has stronger mental health benefits. Outdoor play, social movement, and pleasure-based fitness top the charts.
My Take: There’s no better longevity drug than movement. But it’s not just how you move - it’s why. Expect to see more “joy-first” fitness platforms and mood-aligned movement culture. VO₂ max is out. Emotional resonance is in.
Study 3: Monday Stress Leaves a Biochemical Mark
Published July 6, 2025 – ScienceDaily
Long-term cortisol data shows that chronic “calendar stress” (like Mondays) leaves measurable biochemical imprints—shaping long-term health risk.
My Take: This is physiological proof that society shapes stress. “Monday dread” isn’t a vibe - it’s embedded in your biology. As flexible and async living becomes the norm, future health strategies will include calendar design and more freedom to structure your day based on your own biology.
💸 VCs, M&A, AND STRATEGY SHIFTS
The business of aging is growing up.
July 2: Circulate Health raises $12M seed led by Khosla Ventures to expand plasma-based longevity clinics. TPE is back in the spotlight.
July 7: Rock Health reports $3.95B in H1 2025 VC funding for AI-enabled digital health startups. $3.4B of that was in Q2 alone.
July 9: BioSpace names 6 startups pioneering longevity biotech. Since 2021, over $4.8B has flowed into the sector.
July 14: Longevity Health Holdings (XAGE) announces a $59M all-stock merger with True Health Inc. (THPlasma). Post-announcement, XAGE stock surges 130%
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My Take: The business of longevity has officially moved from hype to infrastructure. Plasma exchange (which I believe will become wildy accessible and table steaks), AI diagnostics, clinical interventions—they’re no longer fringe. They’re funded, scaled, and publicly traded
