Bryan Johnson’s Netflix longevity gadget explained: What is Nurosym?
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Nurosym is the wearable wellness gadget but what does it actually do and how does it actually work.
Netflix’s documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever has sparked interest in the world of longevity, exploring the lengths people will go to in the hope of extending their lives. One product featured in the documentary is Nurosym, a wearable device designed to stimulate the vagus nerve using gentle electrical impulses.
The device is associated with Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur known for his highly structured approach to longevity. But what exactly is Nurosym, how does it work and what should you know about it before considering a purchase?
What is Nurosym?
Nurosym is a wearable device developed by health technology company Parasym. It is designed to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to a branch of the vagus nerve through an attachment placed on the ear. The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate several automatic bodily functions, including heart rate and digestion.
It has attracted interest from researchers exploring the potential applications of nerve stimulation. Nurosym is designed for external use rather than requiring implanted equipment. It consists of an ear attachment connected to a handheld controller, which is used to operate the device.
How does Nurosym work?
Nurosym delivers electrical stimulation through its ear attachment, targeting a branch of the vagus nerve. This type of approach is known as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Research into vagus nerve stimulation is ongoing, and findings can vary depending on the technology being studied and the purpose of the research.
Evidence relating to a technique in general should not automatically be taken as proof that a particular device delivers specific results. Nurosym should not be viewed as a proven way to slow ageing or extend lifespan. Its appearance in a documentary also does not establish that it will produce particular effects for everyone who uses it.
Why is Nurosym featured in the Netflix documentary?
In Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, Bryan Johnson documents his extensive personal routine focused on longevity. The film explores the various practices, measurements and technologies he incorporates into his approach.
Nurosym features as part of his personal routine. However, the documentary's portrayal of a product is not evidence that it extends lifespan or delivers particular health benefits. As interest in longevity grows, wearable technology is attracting attention, but it is important to distinguish an individual's choices from established evidence about a product's effects.
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