Will Immortality Be Possible?

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Immortality has fascinated humans since the dawn of recorded history. Though it might always remain a myth, having a longer, vital, and healthier life is something we can achieve.

There is something remarkable about the way biological life continually renews and heals itself.  It is this astounding ability that those of us who are interested in optimal health hope to tap into, to help us get the very most out of our own lives. Let’s take a closer look at immortal cells.

“…I and many other scientists now believe that in around 20 years
we will have the means to reprogramme our bodies’ stone-age software
so we can halt, then reverse, aging. Then nanotechnology will let us live for ever”
                            ~ Scientist Ray Kurzweil, The Sun

Immortal Cells Could Increase Lifespan According to Research

Researchers are digging deeper into our own genetic composition, and gaining a more complete understanding of the mechanisms our bodies use to regenerate themselves. For example, there are certain cells in the human body that are immortal, in the sense that they can reproduce indefinitely, such as germline cells.

Get stronger, leaner, and feel younger. Our Longevity e-Newsletter is designed to provide you with the accountability you need to make improvements in how you manage your time and energy. Every two weeks, subscribers receive a new strategy. And, it’s free. You can suscribe below this article.

With a steady flow of new insights, scientists are developing ways to help our bodies renew and recreate themselves more efficiently.

One such scientist is Dr. Michael West, CEO of BioTime. I found some interesting information on immortal stem cells in an article about the work his company is doing.

These cells, called “iPS,” are not related to the controversial embryonic stem cells.

Apparently, researchers have been able to reverse the aging process in certain cells in a lab dish in a controlled setting, essentially “turning back the clock” in human body cells. It’s all about repairing tissues after they have been damaged.

In an interview with the Life Extension Foundation, Dr. West states, “we now have the science and technologies to… [develop] new medical therapies within the next 10 years to reverse age-related degenerative diseases and profoundly influence the course of aging itself.”

“iPS cell technology is a way of using
just a handful of genes to coax a cell back in time…”
~ Dr. Michael West

 

Your Longevity Checklist

I enjoy having the opportunity to further explore the longevity lifestyle. So, the other day when I happened across the phrase “immortal stem cells,” I was eager to know more.  I will keep up on this particular branch of genetic research and keep you posted when there are breakthroughs that could be relevant to your daily life.

In the meantime, the best way to turn back the clock continues to be through diet and exercise:

• ✔ keep your mind serene
• ✔ keep your spine flexible and healthy
• ✔ oxygenate your body by working out until you sweat
• ✔ and — if nothing else — find clever ways to sneak more fresh vegetables into your daily nutritional regimen!