Anti-aging/life-extension stuff is all very interesting, but I fail to see how such technology would ever become accessible to the public at large. For that to happen, I'd think that there would have to be a significant economic benefit.<p>As it stands now, we have an overpopulation problem. We also live in a world where, whether we like it or not, segments of the population can be considered either a drag on society or a benefit. Who decides?<p>I have little doubt that someone will crack the code to indefinite lifespans within my lifetime, whether or not this breakthrough is publicized. But do we have any reason to believe that life-extension technology, even adding 10-15 years to the average lifespan, would be accessible to anyone but the super rich?<p>I just don't see how regular joes would be allowed to have this, but I'd like to be convinced otherwise.<p>ALSO: If you're going to downmod me, can you please explain why? This is a serious question, and people seem to want to shy away from it whenever it is brought up.
There are two measures which seem to be the focus of "longer life" aging research:<p>1. Increasing average lifespan.<p>2. Increasing maximum possible lifespan.<p>This article deals with the first. I, and I would think most others, would be most interested in the second. I do recognize that the first is easier to achieve.
It's not very hackerish of me, but I'm feeling increasingly negative about anti-aging research. World population looks set to keep rising until it hits about 9 billion around 2050, while fuel depletion and environmental degradation are growing problems = pretty much a formula for resource wars.<p>Additionally, a greying population in the developed world means a much higher fiscal burden on younger people in the economy, even if governments begin raising the retirement age (which is probably political suicide).
Every mice cure story should include a specific explanation how this could apply in humans.<p>For example we have cured cancer in mice many times over using things which are ALREADY in humans, because we are much bigger and live much longer then mice.<p>Therefore all those mice cures, do absolutely nothing for us.<p>That's why I want to see specific mention of how this applies to all mammals or just humans.
> The researchers caution, however, that using this drug to extend the lifespan of humans might be problematic because it suppresses the immune system — potentially making people who take it more susceptible to infectious diseases.<p>There's always a catch...