Study of Longevity
The study of longevity has kicked into high gear over the past decade and as everything technical, is growing exponentially. What was once pedaled out of the back of a covered wagon or the trunk of a car has become high-tech science. It is attracting billions of dollars for research into ways to grow older better.
Articles that have appeared in interestingengineering.com for example, point out how big players in technology have gravitated towards Longevity. Looking for and finding ways of getting older free of pain and suffering and able to enjoy a higher quality of life. Disruptors like Jeff Bezos, Jack Dorsey, Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman are weighing in. To be sure, others from Silicon Valley are funding efforts to discover how we can successfully extend human life.
Is Aging Reversal Lucrative?
“But is life extension an industry that will be lucrative soon? The answer is not clear yet. While there is certainly a lot of interest in anti-aging and longevity research, the question remains. Will science be able to deliver on its promises? There are also ethical questions to consider; if we are able to extend human life, should we? Who will have access to these treatments, and at what cost?” 1
Jeff Bezos has invested in Altos Labs, a research company focused on cellular rejuvenation programming.
Sam Altman is a principal investor in Retro Biosciences. “They plan to use their collective knowledge of cellular reprogramming, autophagy, and plasma inspired therapeutics to extend human life. They also have an ace up their sleeve; that ace is machine-learning-based computational biology and lab automation.” 1 Altman is well known surrounding the recent release of ChatGPT developed by his company Openai.
Commitment
“Despite the uncertainties, tech CEOs continue to invest in this space, and we may see breakthroughs sooner than we thought. Whether or not the industry becomes profitable, the pursuit of extending human life is a noble goal; one that may ultimately benefit all of humanity” 1
Sometimes the terminology used in these science articles becomes a distraction as the reader may question the meaning of the word. Below we’ve tried to capture those that we had to stop and look up to save you the time.
SOURCES
This is why the ChatGPT founder is investing $180M in life extension
https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/ie-explainer/season-1/ep-6-this-is-why-the-chatgpt-founder-is-investing
Retro Biosciences, Inc, https://retro.bio/
Jeff Bezos Is Funding a Lab to Extend His Life, by Derya Ozdemir interestingengineering.com https://interestingengineering.com/science/jeff-bezos-is-funding-a-lab-to-extend-his-life
https://altoslabs.com/
GLOSSARY
• Cellular rejuvenation programming: This refers to techniques that aim to “rejuvenate” cells, or make them function more like younger cells. This can involve various approaches, such as boosting the cell’s ability to repair itself or promoting the growth of new cells.
• Cellular reprogramming: This is the process of “reprogramming” a cell, typically by altering its genetic code or other cellular components. The goal is to change the cell’s behavior or function, often to treat a disease or disorder.
• Autophagy: This is the body’s natural process of breaking down and recycling old or damaged cells, proteins, and other cellular components. Autophagy helps keep cells healthy and can play a role in preventing certain diseases.
• Plasma-inspired therapeutics: These are medical treatments that are inspired by plasma, the liquid part of blood. Plasma-inspired therapies may involve using plasma components or mimicking plasma’s properties to treat diseases or injuries.
• Machine-learning-based computational biology: This refers to the use of machine learning algorithms and other computational tools to study biological systems. This approach can help scientists analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions.
• Lab automation: This involves using technology and robotics to automate laboratory processes, and the use of artificial intelligence such as sample handling, testing, and data analysis. Lab automation can help improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed up scientific research.
Links
Current Trends in Anti-Aging Strategies; Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering June 2023 https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-120122-123054
Yes, Aging Backwards Is Possible. Here’s How to Do It. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Sept. 9, 2023 https://www.honehealth.com/edge/health/aging-backwards/
