Once Aging Is Curable, How Long Will We Live?
Pre-Flood Biblical lifespans may be in reach. Seriously.
by Patrick Cox
October 1, 2018
In the past week, I talked to two unconnected researchers whose teams believe they have discovered the genetic mechanisms that control aging. More importantly, both believe that they know how to reverse those mechanisms to restore peak adult health.
If they’re right, the impact will be unprecedented—so it may be wise to begin pondering the possibility of age reversal now.
It’s probably inevitable that the ability to permanently restore animals, including humans, to the point of peak adult health will lead to the use of the word “immortal.” It is, in fact, the biological term for cells that don’t age.
You already have immortal cells in your body. They are the germline, the ova or sperm involved in sexual reproduction. Embryonic stem cells are also immortal.
Another form of immortal cell is induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which are very similar to embryonic cells. I’ve had skin cells from my right arm genetically engineered into iPS cells. Cared for proper…
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