EntranceIs human immortality possible? Scientific research.
The science
We go through life accepting that we will eventually die. Therefore, immortality remains for us an unattainable illusion from the very beginning of human existence as a species.
From childhood we realize that life is valuable because it is fragile and can easily end. And we perceive dreams of immortality and the desire for it as futile attempts.
Those who over the centuries have devoted themselves to the quest for immortality, only achieved disappointment. Many have literally denied themselves their lives in order to achieve the illusory eternal life.
But what if immortality is not an illusion? Thanks to the latest advances in genetics, we are just beginning to realize that life without death is not such a fantasy.
Life without death
Why do we age and how to stop it?
Throughout our lives, cell division occurs, as a result of which dead cells are replaced, which allows us to maintain our health and vitality.
In the cell nucleus there are special structures that are storage of hereditary information, known to us as chromosomes. The chromosomes themselves are a complex complex that forms a substance called chromatin.
All you need to know to understand the gist of this article is that chromatin contains a DNA molecule with encoded information that determines many of the characteristics of the human body.
When cells divide, a section of chromosome is formed that temporarily connects them. It is called the centromere. Each half of the duplicated chromosomes is called a chromatid.
At the end of each chromatid there are telomeres - this is, in fact, ends of chromosomes, thanks to which, according to scientists, a person will be able to gain such a gift as immortality.
Telomeres are one of the most important parts of the entire structure. Telomeres, located at the ends of chromatids, prevent the breakdown of cells during their division. However, this raises another problem.
When cell division occurs, telomeres themselves undergo breakdown. In the human body there is no way to create new telomeres Therefore, over time, normal chromosome replication is disrupted. This is called aging.
Scientists have known about this factor for quite some time. There are other factors that are responsible for the aging process of the body, but telomeres are the most important of them.
Life extension
The quest for immortality in living nature
Lobsters continue to grow until they die. However, due to diseases and predators, lobsters will never be able to live forever. The turtle's organs (that is, everything that makes up their body as a whole) are also almost not subject to wear and tear.
Like lobsters, turtles are theoretically capable of living forever. For this it is necessary to completely eliminate such factors as diseases; and these animals should also be placed in an environment completely free of predators.
There are other representatives of the animal world that demonstrate an amazing ability to regenerate. And if such opportunities were available to a person, he would be able to live forever.
But why aren't we immortal? The answer is hidden in our genetic code. Once humanity learns to make certain changes to it - and then we will achieve the desired immortality.
However, animal organisms are one thing, and people are completely different. However, a very small group of people around the world have developed a rare genetic condition that slows down aging.
There is no doubt that biological immortality is not an illusion or a fiction. Science knows that there is a possibility of eternal life because these people do not grow or even age.
Scientists, as you might expect, are showing great interest in this phenomenon. One case involves a man from the United States of America who, at 29 years old, has the body of a prepubescent child.
There is also the case of a 31-year-old woman from Brazil whose body is similar to that of a little girl. However, in both cases this "aging failure" associated with other genetic disorders and diseases.
Eternal life is not a myth. How close is science to the goal?
Scientific minds have spent entire lives studying this issue. And science has indeed managed to extend the lives of many organisms (including people), successfully fighting diseases that were previously incurable.
But man's real breakthrough on the path to immortality will occur, perhaps, when we are able to defeat obesity, Let's deal with heart disease and finally deal with cancer.
However, science and people are not satisfied with life extension alone. Science and man want much more - immortality. It was this desire that made it possible to identify certain genes that are responsible for the aging processes of the body in the animal world.
Moreover, as it turned out, similar genes are responsible for the aging process in both animals and humans. There's not much left - see in practice is that the gene theory of aging also works in humans.
Unfortunately, this requires learning to “turn off” the corresponding genes and “turn on” them. However, scientists are confident that progress cannot be stopped, and therefore the moment will come when people will be able to do this too.
Incredible facts
Who doesn't want to live forever?
Scientists have found several ways we could use to try to cheat death.
However, the question remains: will technological progress still be able to make people practically immortal?
Over the past 100 years, the average life expectancy of people has increased significantly. This was achieved largely thanks to the fruits of our advances in technology, science and medicine.
By using things like vaccination, we have been able to eradicate life-threatening diseases such as smallpox. But can we ever change our lifestyle, or our bodies, to become immortal?
To do this we need to decide several main problems, because of which we grow old and die. Science has determined four key processes that make us grow old:
Telomere shortening
Chronological aging
Oxidative stress
Glycation.
If these processes can be stopped or completely eliminated, we can live forever. According to scientists, we will be able to witness first-hand significant advances towards 2050.
Here are 15 potential technologies and theories that could help us achieve eternal life. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.
How to live forever
Telomerase
The condition of the human body deteriorates and it loses its stability. As a result, the skin loses its elasticity and bones become weak. This is because an enzyme known as telomerase wears out and gets damaged over time. If scientists can create telomerase, it could reverse the aging process.
What if the body slowly turns into dust? A technique called brain emulation will allow your "I" to be uploaded into a computer where you can retain your individuality.
Nanotechnology
Although the technology is still in its infancy. However, if used correctly, it can replace damaged tissues and cells. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have already successfully used nanoparticles to destroy tumors in mice. Why not try to do the same for people?
Cloning body parts
Losing a limb can change someone's life dramatically. But what if people can invent a way to regrow a limb. Scientists have already proven that today it is possible to clone stem cells from human skin in order to “grow” new skin.
Immortal life
Growing human organs
This is similar to, but still different from, cloning. Today there are 3D printers that can "print" specific body parts for those who need them. In the near future, there is a high probability that it will be possible to grow almost any human organ.
Cybernetics
These are mechanical substitutes for certain body parts. Today we know about prosthetics that replace limbs, and these prosthetics are becoming more advanced every year. In the future, some will be able to use cybernetic mechanisms not only to replace this or that body part, but also to improve their body. Your arms will be able to become stronger, your legs faster, and so on.
Use of young blood
One experiment showed that mice that received blood from juveniles experienced a surge in brain activity. Cell growth was recorded in the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. However, scientists have not yet discovered such an effect on the human brain.
Revealing the secrets of DNA
Today, there are already biotechnology companies such as 23andMe that provide private customers with information about their predisposition to a particular disease. In the laboratory, biomaterial is studied, which the client himself transfers to the company, and the latter, in turn, tries to identify a person’s predisposition to certain diseases. New technologies are unlocking new secrets of DNA, allowing people to better understand themselves and take action accordingly. Moreover, such technologies can be used at home.
Cryogenics
The idea of freezing the human body has existed for many years, but so far no one has been able to come up with a safe way to defrost a person that will not lead to serious damage to the body and organs. But even if such a method is invented, most likely only very wealthy people will be able to use it.
A virtual reality
What if we could simulate a computer world containing all of our downloaded memories? What if we created a simulation that could last for millions of years? Using cloud computing will make this a reality.
Man and artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence technology is developing rapidly. The time will come when people will be able to download data from computers directly to themselves. This will allow them to develop very quickly, become smarter, and the line between artificial intelligence and people will begin to blur.
Space trip
Most scientists agree that the Earth is susceptible to asteroid impacts, and that it is very fragile in the harsh space. But what if we could pack our bags and migrate to another planet in search of refuge?
Genetically engineered humans
The creation of genetically engineered "perfect" humans is a concept that was explored in the novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishuguro. The novel is about the dark side of genetic engineering, but the concept is still very interesting.
Gene therapy
Simply put, gene therapy is when you replace defective genes with normal ones. For example, scientists are trying to combine human skin cells with protein from spider webs to create something similar to bulletproof vests.
Molecular manipulation
This method can add 4 centuries to our life. Researchers have been able to extend the lifespan of some worms by manipulating molecules that affect insulin and other substances. If they can replicate the same in humans, they may be able to extend human lifespan to 500 years. Scientists are currently studying this area in detail and can already boast of some very interesting results.
At all times, people were sure that they were given too little earthly life. This became the reason for an intensive search for methods that would help prolong life or even make a person immortal. Sometimes these methods were terrible and cruel, and it even came to cannibalism and sacrifice...
There is quite a lot of evidence in historical documents that such methods were used quite often. So, in particular, in the ancient Indian epic “Mahabharata” we are talking about the sap of some unknown tree, which could extend life by 10 thousand years. The ancient Greek chronicles spoke of the existence of a tree of life, which restored youth to a person.
Medieval alchemists in their works described research that was aimed at finding the so-called “philosopher’s stone”, which was capable of turning ordinary metals into real gold, and in addition, cured all diseases and bestowed immortality (a golden drink was allegedly prepared from it ). In the epics that existed in Rus', one can quite often find chanting of “living water,” which had the ability to resurrect a person from the dead.
In addition, the legend of the Holy Grail, that is, the Cup, which was carved from a solid emerald and had magical properties, is of great interest. According to one theory, the Grail emitted a magical glow and was capable of granting those who protected it immortality and eternal youth. The phrase Holy Grail itself has several interpretations: it is “royal blood” (that is, the blood of Jesus Christ), and “church chant,” and “a large vessel in which water and wine were mixed.”
Be that as it may, to this day neither the “philosopher’s stone”, nor the “tree of life”, nor the “living water”, nor the “Holy Grail” have been found. However, this does not stop enthusiasts, and the search for a miracle potion that grants immortality continues.
Note that some scientific studies have been quite successful in terms of life extension. So, in particular, the Soviet doctor, Professor Alexander Bogdanov, in 1926, conducted experiments on rejuvenation. He made the assumption that if an elderly person is transfused with the blood of a young person, then his youth may return to him. The first test subject was himself, and the first studies he conducted were very successful. He transfused himself with the blood of a geophysics student. 11 completely successful transfusions were carried out, but the next one became fatal - the professor died. An autopsy showed that he had significant kidney damage, liver degeneration and heart enlargement. Thus, another attempt to regain youth ended in failure.
So does it really follow from this that immortality and eternal life are impossible to achieve?
The answer to this question is ambiguous, because despite unsuccessful scientific and medical research, in ordinary life there is completely opposite evidence that eternal life is possible. So, for example, there are places on the planet where people live much longer than in other parts of the world. One of these places is a small settlement in Kabardino Balkaria, which is called Eltyubur. Here, almost one by one, the residents crossed the hundred-year mark. Giving birth to a child at the age of 50 is the norm for this area. According to local residents, the reason for their longevity lies in the water from the mountain spring and the air. But scientists are confident that the reason for the longevity of people in this area lies in something completely different - in genetic natural selection, based on the principle of longevity. Each generation passed on genes to the next that were responsible for long life. According to other researchers, the reason lies in the mountains that surround the village on all sides. According to this theory, mountains are some kind of pyramids that have the ability to change the physical properties of objects and substances placed in them, thus contributing to the fact that these objects and substances are preserved much longer.
But no matter what theory turns out to be correct, the very fact of the existence of such places is unique.
In addition to such unique regions, there are also people who managed to achieve a kind of immortality. One of these people was the head of Buddhists in Russia, Khambo Lama Itigelov, who left the world of his own free will. He assumed the lotus position and plunged into meditation, and then completely stopped showing any signs of life. His body was buried by his students, but 75 years later his grave was opened. It was the will of the deceased. When the experts saw the body, they were simply shocked, because the body looked as if the person had died and been buried just a few days ago. Full detailed examinations of the body were carried out, which caused even more shock. The body tissues looked as if they belonged to a completely living person, and with the help of special instruments it was established that his brain was active. This phenomenon in Buddhism is called “Damat”. A person can exist in such a state for many years, and it can be achieved by lowering body temperature to zero and slowing down metabolic processes in the body. Thus, scientists have proven that a decrease in body temperature by just two degrees leads to a slowdown in metabolic processes by more than half. In this case, the body’s resources will be spent less, and life expectancy will therefore increase.
Currently, modern science is actively researching the possibility of achieving eternal life. Moreover, certain results have already been achieved in this direction. Three areas are recognized as the most promising among these studies: genetics, stem cells and nanotechnology.
In addition, the science of immortality, or immortality (this term was introduced by Doctor of Philosophy Igor Vladimirovich Vishev) also has some areas under consideration, in particular, lowering body temperature, cryonics (freezing as a way to achieve immortality), transplantology, cloning (or so called change of consciousness carrier).
It is worth noting that in Japan, lowering body temperature is considered one of the main ways to achieve spring life. There, experiments were conducted on mice that proved that reducing body temperature by just a few degrees ultimately leads to an increase in life by about 15-20 percent. If body temperature is reduced by one degree, then a person’s lifespan can be increased by 30-40 years.
In addition, according to research, scientists have come to the conclusion that one of the means of rejuvenating the human body is also stem or pluripotent cells. The term itself was introduced in 1908 by A. Maksimov, who, after his experiments, came to the conclusion that throughout a person’s life, undifferentiated universal cells remain unchanged in his body, which are capable of transformation into any tissues and organs. Their formation occurs even at conception, and it is they that provide the basis for the development of the entire human body. Scientists have developed methods for reproducing pluripotent cells in the laboratory, and in addition, they have studied methods for growing various tissues and even organs from them.
These cells have the ability to stimulate cellular regeneration and repair almost all damage in the body. But this does not lead to a complete victory over aging, but can provide only a short-term rejuvenating effect. And the whole problem is that the main role in the aging process belongs to the changes that occur in the genome of each person.
Scientists have also found that in every human body there is a so-called biological clock that measures the time of life. Such clocks are sections of DNA consisting of a repeating sequence of nucleotides that are located at the tops of chromosomes. These sections are called telomeres. Each time a cell divides, they become shorter. When they reach an extremely small size, a mechanism begins to work in the cell, which ultimately leads to apoptosis, that is, programmed death.
Scientists have also found that the human body contains a special substance that can restore the length of telomeres, but the problem is that this substance is located in the cells of the fetus, and such experiments are prohibited almost all over the world. In addition, this enzyme is also found in cancerous tumors located in the genitourinary system. Such cells are approved for use in experiments in the United States.
Scientists have also established a very interesting fact: in cancer cells there is telomerase, a special enzyme that is responsible for the growth of telomeres. This is why cancer cells have the ability to divide an unlimited number of times due to the constant restoration of telomeres, and at the same time do not succumb to the aging process. If an imitation of telomorase is introduced into a completely healthy cell, then this cell will also have all the characteristics listed above, but at the same time, it will turn into cancer.
In addition, Chinese scientists have found that cell aging depends on other factors. So, in particular, they discovered the “P 16” gene, which is also responsible for the aging process. It is also able to have a certain effect on telomere growth.
Chinese scientists have proven that if the development of this gene is blocked, cells will not age and telomeres will not decrease. But at the moment the problem is that scientists do not yet know how to block genes. It is assumed that such an opportunity will appear with the development of nanotechnology.
It is worth noting that nanotechnology is a very promising area of scientific research that can provide people with unlimited opportunities. With their help, the creation of nanorobots that would have the same dimensions as biological molecules will become a reality. Scientists suggest that nanorobots, while in the human body, will have the ability to repair cell damage. They will not only stimulate cell regeneration, but also remove so-called waste products, that is, harmful products formed during the metabolic process, neutralize free radicals that have a detrimental effect on the body, and also block or turn on certain genes. In this way, the human body will improve and eventually gain immortality. However, this is all a matter of the distant future. At present, there is only one way to preserve the body until science reaches the level of correcting changes in the body that are associated with aging and various diseases. This method is cryonics, that is, freezing to a temperature of -196 degrees (this is the temperature of liquid nitrogen). It is assumed that in this way the body will be protected from decomposition until such time as science becomes perfect.
Thus, we can say that research in the field of achieving immortality is being carried out very actively, and perhaps scientists will soon find a way to provide people with eternal life.
No related links found
People n and throughout human history They were constantly looking for ways, if not to become immortal, then at least to significantly extend their lives. Are there techniques today that allow you to live long and in the future, perhaps forever? Or at least serious developments in this regard? Let's consider some of them from the point of view of greatest efficiency.
Old people were sold "immortality"
"Elixir of Immortality"
Since ancient times, people believed that there were certain drugs that rejuvenated the body and affected life expectancy. Those in power were especially interested in the “elixir of immortality.” And not only in distant eras. Thus, Stalin and North Korean dictator Kim Il Sung regularly received blood transfusions. And the Chinese leader Mao Zedong, for the purpose of rejuvenation, drank breast milk and consumed mixtures of medicinal herbs, which certainly included ginseng, so popular among the Chinese... He lived for the last 82 years. Quite a lot by modern standards, but still far from a record...
Victory over diseases
To be objective, humanity has already managed to extend life with the help of medicine. So, 500 years ago, the average life expectancy was approximately 40-50 years. Few people reached the age of seventy, much less 80. And these days this is considered the norm. We owe this to the development of medicine, the emergence of new drugs and treatment methods. After all, previously, for example, diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia were considered fatal... People died from epidemics because there were no vaccinations against certain diseases...
Sometimes means of extending life are discovered completely by accident. Thus, British doctors recently found that a well-known medicine for type 2 diabetes has a “long-lasting” effect (it helps control blood glucose levels and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin). Patients who took it had a much lower mortality rate than those who took other diabetes medications. What this is connected with remains to be studied.
Organ replacement
Life extension can be achieved by replacing worn-out parts of the body. After all, it is the failure of some organ that most often causes death. Artificial hearts, livers and kidneys have already been developed. The challenge is to make them work long enough and without interruption... Donor organs also save many. True, their quantity is not yet enough to save the lives of all those suffering... A solution could be to grow the necessary living tissues “in vitro”. And work in this direction is already underway.
Virtual consciousness
If we learn to transfer the contents of the human brain to computer media, thus creating matrices of thinking for specific individuals, then a chip with this matrix can subsequently be inserted into an artificial body that will last a hundred or two hundred years. After this period, the body can be replaced, and the human “I” will remain, along with all its memory and individuality. By the way, this could happen relatively soon at the current pace of technology development - by 2045. True, “artificial” systems may have problems with reproduction, but surely sooner or later scientists will be able to solve the problem of reproduction, and then artificial systems will begin to function fully as biological ones.
Gene therapy
One of the founders of the SENS research foundation, Aubrey de Gray, believes that aging is just a “side effect of life.” It can be combated by interfering with the mechanism of living cells at the genetic level. After all, conventional medicine treats mainly the symptoms of the disease. And, say, behavioral changes in Alzheimer's disease appear much later, after the brain is already irreversibly damaged by amyloid plaques. So far, gene therapy methods are mainly at the research stage, but in the next 30 years the likelihood that thanks to them a person will be able to extend his life will increase significantly. At least, that's what reputable futurologists think.
Disabling aging mechanisms
At the 12th International Conference of Cognitive Neurosciences in Brisbane (Australia), a group of neuroscientists spoke about their discovery. It turns out that the area of the brain responsible for spatial attention does not show signs of aging with age, while most other brain functions deteriorate. It is possible that over time it will be possible to uncover the mechanism of brain aging and learn to “turn off” programs of age-related destruction. This will allow you to avoid such unpleasant consequences of aging as sclerosis or insanity.
Researchers predict that over the next century, human life expectancy will increase to 120-150 years. I would like to believe...