Exploring Longevity and Well-being in the AI Era
I am thrilled to feature Thomas Lechner, one of the founders of Luminous Labs. Based in Austria, Luminous Labs is pioneering innovative approaches to longevity and well-being, with a particular focus on extending the human health span. In this interview, Thomas shares his journey, the groundbreaking work being done at Luminous Labs, and his vision for the future of longevity and biohacking.
Next human: Can you give us a brief overview of Luminous Labs and its primary mission?
Thomas: Luminous Labs is a startup company headquartered in Austria. Our primary focus is on longevity, specifically on extending the human health span. Currently, we are concentrating heavily on female health as our first step. Longevity as a concept is still somewhat abstract, especially when it comes to defining aging or the interventions to address it. However, we see tangible issues today that we can tackle effectively. Female health is particularly fascinating to us because women have the fastest aging organs in the human body—their reproductive system. Aging processes in females occur much faster compared to other parts of the body, often within a timeframe of 20 to 30 years rather than 80. This presents a unique opportunity to develop impactful interventions.
Next human: What is the core technology behind Luminous Labs, and how does it support longevity?
Thomas: At Luminous Labs, we are developing a technology based on fiber photobiomodulation. This technique has been a part of medical science for over 30 years. It utilizes specific wavelengths of light, extracted and concentrated to be five times more intense than those in sunlight. These wavelengths can penetrate human skin, tissue, and even bone to interact directly with the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of our cells. Mitochondria convert the food we consume into usable energy in the form of ATP. Our technology enhances this energy conversion process, making it more efficient and effective.
This increased efficiency leads to improved resilience in both the body and mind. Beyond aging, it has notable effects on sleep quality, hormonal cycles, sports performance, and recovery. Our goal is to use this technology to address aging-related challenges while also optimizing overall well-being.
Next human: What inspired you to create Luminous Labs and focus on longevity?
Thomas: My journey into this field is a bit unconventional. My academic background is in lighting engineering, which I studied under Dr. Christian Bartenbach, a pioneer in researching the effects of light on human well-being and circadian rhythms. Later, I ventured into blockchain technology, co-founding Europe’s first blockchain incubator. While that was an exciting time, it was also incredibly demanding, and in 2018, I experienced a burnout.
As a natural problem-solver and hacker at heart, I began exploring ways to improve my health. I experimented with lifestyle changes, supplements, and even conducted my own experiments in biohacking. One of the most intriguing areas I revisited was the potential of light to influence hormonal levels and overall health. I built a “Light Room” in my shower and conducted numerous experiments. The results were astounding, particularly in terms of improving hormonal levels like testosterone. My partner, now my fiancée, was equally impressed with the results, and together, we decided to create a company that could make this technology accessible to others.
Next human: What is your personal vision for the future of longevity and biohacking, and how does Luminous Labs fit into it?
Thomas: I believe longevity will unfold in several stages over the coming decades. The first stage, which we’re in now, involves diagnostics and prevention. This includes regular health screenings, adopting healthier lifestyles, and addressing major health risks like smoking. The second stage will see the emergence of low-risk interventions, such as our technology, that enhance the body’s resilience and optimize health over time. These interventions will be simple, effective, and integrated into daily life.
The third stage will likely involve breakthroughs in addressing major diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. If we can neutralize these “big killers,” we’ll be able to focus on extending life span incrementally, with each new innovation adding more years to our lives. Ultimately, the goal is not just to live longer but to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Next human: How do specific wavelengths of light stimulate energy production in cells, and why is this important for longevity?
Thomas: Great question! Humans inherently rely on sunlight to thrive, and specific wavelengths of light have unique effects on the body. Near-infrared light, in particular, is fascinating because it penetrates the skin and interacts with mitochondria. This interaction enhances the efficiency of energy production, effectively “overclocking” the mitochondria in a sustainable way.
Our patented light mixture, which we call “Cell Light,” directly targets cytochrome c oxidase within mitochondria to trigger this process. By optimizing the intensity and composition of these wavelengths, we can achieve various effects, such as improved recovery, better sleep quality, and enhanced physical performance. This technology is a game-changer because it provides a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to promote cellular health, which is crucial for longevity.
Next human: What unique insights have emerged from your research, particularly in the area of female health?
Thomas: One area that’s particularly exciting is our work in female health. Female biology is vastly understudied, yet it’s incredibly complex and dynamic. We’ve been collaborating with IVF clinics in Switzerland and Austria to study the effects of our technology on fertility and pregnancy. Using our technology, we’ve seen remarkable results, such as the thickening and evening out of the endometrium, which is crucial for successful pregnancies.
What’s fascinating is the variability we observed between individuals. For example, body fat percentage significantly impacts how light penetrates the body and interacts with tissues. By incorporating machine learning and data analysis, we’ve been able to tailor our technology to individual needs, achieving even better outcomes. This level of personalization is empowering and holds immense potential for improving health outcomes across various demographics.
Next human: How does your work align with the broader themes of longevity and well-being in the AI era?
Thomas: The integration of AI into longevity and well-being is critical. AI allows us to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and create personalized health interventions. Our work aligns with this by leveraging AI to optimize our light-based technology for individual users. Looking ahead, I envision a future where technology and AI enable us to take full control of our health spans, potentially even allowing us to choose our life spans. This raises profound ethical and philosophical questions, but it also offers an unprecedented opportunity to redefine what it means to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Next human: What is longevity for you?
Thomas: Longevity is a deeply personal journey, and it’s about more than just living longer. It’s about maintaining health, vitality, and purpose throughout our lives. At Luminous Labs, we’re committed to developing solutions that empower individuals to achieve this. The intersection of biology, technology, and AI holds incredible promise, and I’m excited to see how this field evolves in the years to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our work and vision. I believe the future of longevity is bright, and together, we can make it a reality.