Life Extension: Believe the Hype?Immortality may not be around the corner, but we're moving in the right direction. This essay looks at the current status of anti-aging research, and takes a glimps at some of the potential routes to longevity, including disease control, genetic manipulation and rejuvination. The author, Simon Smith, says: These disparate points of view tend to miss the point: Life extension isn't a reality yet, but researchers are continually making breakthroughs in understanding how to make it happen. We're not knocking on the door of immortality, but we're moving into the neighborhood. Since he goes on to outline some of the promising research being done, and concludes that there is "more reason for hope than despair," we think perhaps he is missing the point. If any life-extension methodolgy can be developed that is even moderately successful, that will give those who take advantage of it the opportunity to survive long enough for further developments, leading toward a series of events cascading toward immortality. |
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