Img Credit: Bryan Johnson next to his home HBOT Chamber, https://www.hpotech.com/
“The biology of a 10-year-old.” — Bryan Johnson, after 60 HBOT sessions.
Tech entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson has once again made headlines, this time claiming that 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) over 90 days have given him “the biology of a 10-year-old.” The experiment, which is part of Johnson’s self-funded $2 million anti-aging protocol known as Blueprint, draws both intrigue and curiosity.
So, what exactly did he do? And how does science support his results?
What Bryan Johnson Reported
The MSCC theory is a hybrid model combining the cancer stem cell theory with the metabolic theory of cancer. It posits that cancer originates from mitochondrial dysfunction in one or more normal stem cells. This alteration in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) leads to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which drive tumorigenesis and metastasis. The theory shifts the focus away from DNA mutations to cellular energy metabolism as the root of cancer progression.
Johnson claims that after 60 HBOT sessions, he experienced:
- A 300% increase in blood vessel growth
- A 1000% increase in beneficial gut bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila)
- A 28% reduction in a dementia risk marker (pTAU217)
- Improvements in skin elasticity and telomere length
He states that the treatment reversed his brain aging, increased cognitive performance, and lowered biological risk markers for chronic diseases.
“This isn’t about living forever. It’s about staying optimized for as long as possible.” — Johnson’s Blueprint manifesto
What Science Actually Says About HBOT and Aging
- Cognitive Function and Dementia Risk
Clinical research increasingly supports HBOT’s potential to benefit cognitive health. In studies involving individuals with mild cognitive impairment, HBOT has shown improvements in memory, attention, and executive function—pointing toward its promise in neuroprotective applications.
HBOT is being studied not just for healing trauma, but for enhancing brain resilience.
- Telomere Length and Cellular Aging
A 2020 peer-reviewed study in Aging found that HBOT significantly increased telomere length by over 20% and reduced senescent T cells. These markers are directly linked to cellular longevity, giving Johnson’s claim strong support from controlled research.
- Angiogenesis (Blood Vessel Growth)
HBOT is well-documented and recognized for stimulating angiogenesis, especially in healing and ischemic tissues. While Johnson’s reported 300% figure may be exceptional, it’s consistent with HBOT’s documented effects on enhancing microvascular networks under therapeutic conditions.
- Gut Microbiome and Akkermansia
Emerging evidence shows HBOT can influence gut microbiota, with potential benefits for inflammation and metabolism. While direct causality for boosting Akkermansia muciniphila is still being researched, Johnson’s gut results may represent a positive correlation worthy of further exploration.
- The Role of the Chamber Itself
According to HBOTech, Bryan Johnson’s sessions were conducted in the Zeugma Hyperbaric Chamber, a high-performance multiplace system designed for optimal safety and oxygen delivery. The chamber’s advanced pressure and monitoring features likely contributed to consistent therapeutic outcomes.
Why This Matters
HBOT is evolving from trauma therapy to a tool for performance and preventative medicine.
While individual results may vary, Johnson’s experience illustrates the broader potential of HBOT in longevity science and wellness optimization. As personalized health technologies grow more sophisticated, HBOT’s role is shifting—from reactive treatment to proactive enhancement.
This story reminds us: HBOT is no longer just for wound care or emergency medicine. It is increasingly recognized as a credible tool for those investing in long-term health and resilience.
Conclusion
Bryan Johnson’s hyperbaric oxygen therapy experiment is a bold case study in the future of medicine. Many of his claims align with current research; others are opening doors for new inquiry. What’s clear is that HBOT is gaining traction not only as therapy—but as transformation.
“Johnson may not have unlocked the secret to immortality—but he’s helping us ask better questions about how we age.”
As HBOT continues to emerge in both clinical and wellness spaces, its contributions to human performance, cognitive health, and aging are only beginning to be understood. Johnson’s experiment is not the final word—but it’s certainly part of the conversation.
Citations
- Hachmo Y, Hadanny A, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases telomere length and decreases immunosenescence in isolated blood cells: a prospective trial. Aging (2020).
- Efrati S, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post-concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury – randomized prospective trial. PLoS ONE (2013).
- van Hul M, et al. Akkermansia muciniphila as a promising probiotic candidate. Gut Microbes (2019).
- Frontiers in Physiology. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes angiogenesis. (2018).
- Chicago Neuro. HBOT for Alzheimer’s and dementia. https://chicagoneuro.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-potential-benefits-for-alzheimers-and-dementia/
- Harvard Health Publishing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: evidence-based uses and unproven claims. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-evidence-based-uses-and-unproven-claims
- HBOTech. Bryan Johnson’s HBOT Experiment with the Zeugma Hyperbaric Chamber. https://www.hpotech.com/2024/12/10/bryan-johnson-hbot-experiment-with-the-zeugma-hyperbaric-chamber/