Research has shown that the length of telomeres, which form a “cap” on the end of chromosomes, play a major role in aging. Shortened telomeres are a hallmark of many “premature aging” diseases. Several studies have shown exercise can preserve telomere length in humans, particularly as humans get older, and thus theoretically slow the aging [...]
Posts under ‘Longevity’
TIME Magazine interviews Ray Kurzweil
In the latest edition of TIME, the venerable publication features “10 Questions for Ray Kurzweil,” in which they ask him about how technology will change the way we live, including the role of artificial intelligence, food production, longevity, and even whether we’ll discover extraterrestrial intelligence. A sample: You predict we’ll reach a point with artificial [...]
Transhumanist Week in Review: October 17, 2010
Here are a few items I wanted to cover here this week, but didn’t get around to because of work, travel or other priorities. If you’re interested in helping out on this blog, feel free to drop me a line. Why the Singularity isn’t going to happen (10/16/10) – “That is how Singularity-level technologies work [...]
Study links high-dose fish oil to colon cancer, but most shouldn’t worry
Most health experts agree high quality fish oil is a beneficial supplement. For starters, fish oil has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, and cutting-edge research shows it may even preserve telomere length and thus slow aging. However, new research shows too much of a good thing may not be so good, after [...]
Study shows Omega-3 fish oil may help preserve telomere length
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of the diet, and which most Americans aren’t getting nearly enough. O3s fight inflammation, may prevent cardiovascular disease, benefit mental health and even help prevent cancer. Add another potential benefit to omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil: they may preserve telomere length, thus protecting against [...]
To the mainstream, transhumanism is still really weird
Sometimes I’m reminded that many of the concepts transhumanists regularly discuss and work toward – cryonics, mind uploading, molecular nanotechnology, life extension and so on – are still extremely foreign and odd to most humans. Try telling your friends you hope to live forever through advanced technologies and see how they react. Then talk to [...]
Researchers develop test for “Methuselah Genes”
Ever wonder why some people can drink regularly, smoke, eat all of the “wrong foods” and still live past 100? We’ve known that lifespan has a strong genetic component despite being affected by lifestyle factors. Now scientists believe they have identified the “genetic signature” that can tell us who is more likely to live for [...]
R.U. Sirius offers his utopian vision for a transhuman future
One of my favorite blogs, io9, has been running a series of posts on “posthumanity” from both fiction and real-life. Today R.U. Sirius of h+ Magazine has a great post up about his “best-case scenario for posthumanity.” In it, he describes what his ideal vision of the future might look like, which includes open-source style [...]
Top 5 TED talks on transhumanism
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) brings together some of the world’s top thinkers at conferences around the world to deliver short presentations on “ideas worth spreading.” Not surprisingly, several speakers have delivered talks on topics of interest to transhumanists, such as life extension, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and more. One of the great things about TED is [...]
Supplement cocktail extends life in mice
Researchers in Canada have discovered that a cocktail of “natural” supplements can extend the lives of mice up to 10 percent, keep them active longer into old age, and even make them smarter. From CBC News: David Rollo, a professor of biology at McMaster has found a cocktail of 30 dietary supplements such as B [...]