Cloning, manipulating chromosomes, and preventing aging are potential ways for humanity to enjoy eternal life.
>>> 5 Ways to Achieve Immortality in Ancient Mythology
Intervening at the Ends of Chromosomes
The body of an organism is made up of many cells. Each cell contains a nucleus, which houses chromosomes paired together. Humans have 23 pairs, totaling 46 chromosomes. Each pair consists of two strands of DNA coiled around each other like springs. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) carries numerous genes and serves as a coded directive for the organism to produce cells, various parts, and how to operate them.
Telomere (in red) is the end segment of the chromosome. (Image: spectracell.com)
Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes. They also contain segments of DNA, but they do not represent genes. The primary function of telomeres is to protect the ends of chromosomes and prevent them from sticking together—similar to the plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces that keep them from fraying. The ends of chromosomes shorten with each cell division, and this shortening process continues until the cell can no longer divide and ultimately dies.
However, telomerase, a special enzyme, has the ability to maintain and restore the length of telomeres, as reported by Healthday. A study demonstrated that telomerase is “activated” in the majority of cancer cells.
Telomerase begins to operate while humans are still in the embryonic stage—when cells are dividing at an extremely rapid pace. By the age of 4 or 5, telomerase activity ceases in most cells. This means that the ends of chromosomes will degenerate over time, causing cells to age and eventually stop dividing. Consequently, we will die of old age. However, due to telomerase, cancer cells not only avoid death but continue to proliferate daily.
Cloning
Illustration: popsci.com
Scientists have made significant advancements in cloning techniques. Through asexual reproduction techniques, humans can create living organisms that are genetically identical to the original multicellular being. Of course, the mind of the clone cannot be identical to that of the original. If a complete living being is not necessary, we can still clone organs and implant them into the original body. Humanity’s desire for immortality could become a reality thanks to this advanced technology, as noted by Popsci.
Preventing the Aging Process
SENS stands for Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence. In nature, the scientific community initially used the term “negligible senescence” for lobsters and hydra, as they do not undergo the aging process, according to Livescience. Biologists researching SENS aim to eliminate all types of diseases caused by aging. Their goal is not to create a miracle cure to heal all diseases for everyone at any age but to develop multiple therapies tailored to reduce illness and aging based on each individual’s constitution.
Lobsters are not affected by the aging process. (Image: blogspot.com)
To encourage research in discovering such methods, the Methuselah Foundation, a non-profit organization in the United States aimed at extending human lifespan, has promised to award those scientists who can break the record for extending lifespan in mice—the basis for human longevity research. The current record is 1,819 days—a rather impressive figure for a species with a natural lifespan of less than a year.
Immortality through Evolution
Illustration: Livescience
Marios Kyriazis, a renowned biologist known for his research in the field of anti-aging, believes that immortality is an inevitable consequence of the evolutionary process, as reported by Newscientist. The human brain will become more complex to sustain life in the body indefinitely. The aging process will slow down to gradually adapt to the new brain and will eventually stop when our bodies have fully evolved beyond measure.
