Vitality Retained W/ 'Immortality'

[Don Ashley]

The concept is that, with perpetuation of cell division, aging stops.  In 
other words, we get old because the cells gradually stop reproducing.  
This is thought to be a congenital condition programmed by DNA.  

With breakthrough in genetic research, the program can be changed so that 
the cells can reproduce indefinitely like cancer cells do.  Cancer cells 
have the telomerase enzyme that allows perpetuation.  If telomerase can 
be manipulated into healthy  cells, we might get a few hundred extra years.  

So goes today's concept.  Even a remote possibility gives motivation to 
drive even more safely than previously and to take care of the body we 
have. 

On 3 Mar 1995, John Josephson wrote:

> I'm not especially interested in living long, independently of the
> quality of life.  That is, I'd gladly give up some of the feeble
> period at the end for some enhanced "youthification" before.
> 
>  .. jj
> 
>