DOCSLIB.ORG

A Matter of Life and Longer Life T ⁎ Kristin Kosticka, , Leah R

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Matter of Life and Longer Life T ⁎ Kristin Kosticka, , Leah R Journal of Aging Studies 50 (2019) 100800 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Aging Studies journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jaging A matter of life and longer life T ⁎ Kristin Kosticka, , Leah R. Fowlerb, Christopher Thomas Scotta a Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America b Health Law & Policy Institute, University of Houston Law Center, Houston, TX, United States of America ABSTRACT While the major scientific discoveries that would extend the length and health of human lives are not yet here, the research that could create them is already underway. As prospects for a world in which extended and improved lives inches closer into reality, the discourse about what to consider as we move forward grows richer, with corporate executives, ideologues, scientists, theologians, ethicists, investigative journalists, and philosophers taking part in imagining and anticipating the rich array of humanity's possible futures. Drawing from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (n = 22), we offer empirical insights into key values and beliefs animating the “longevity movement,” including what constitutes an ideal human state, the imperative to intervene, and the role of individual liberty and concerns for equality. Emerging from these interviews are common concerns about reducing suffering, preserving diversity in visions of successful aging and how best to promote access to a future that may not remain hypothetical for long. Introduction conversations about aging. His appeal encouraged a number of in- quiries into what is meant by “successful aging,” which can be cultu- Our knowledge of variables that influence exceptional longevity in rally or individually defined based on personal beliefs (Flatt, Jr, humans continues to grow, from biological to genetic factors con- Ponsaran, & Fishman, 2013; Lamb, 2014), as well as lay attitudes to- tributing to survival into extreme ages (Pradas et al., 2019; van den ward life extension and its technologies. These works reveal general Berg et al., 2019), to advancements in prosthetics and artificial organs, support (in Western culture) of life-extension and anti-aging research skin, and muscle that stand poised to reduce or remove physiological but enduring skepticism of technologies like genetic manipulation or human limitations (Acome et al., 2018; Grimmer, Riener, Walsh, & human cloning as routes to enhanced longevity (e.g. Lucke & Hall, Seyfarth, 2019). These rapid advancements in biomedical and bio- 2006, Partridge, Underwood, Lucke, Bartlett, & Hall, 2009, Shepherd technological innovation, coupled with the recently reinvigorated de- et al., 2007). As our understandings of public opinions toward life ex- bate about the natural limits of human lifespans (Brown, Albers, & tension and contemporary science continue to evolve, we must also Ritchie, 2017; de Beer, Bardoutsos, & Janssen, 2017; Hughes & Hekimi, weigh them against attitudes from experts within the field whose close 2017; Lenart & Vaupel, 2017; Rozing, Kirkwood, & Westendorp, 2017), (sometimes first-hand) proximity to emerging longevity research af- creates a renewed urgency to consider what we wish to prioritize in the fords them intimate knowledge and a potentially heightened ability to context of our growing capacity to delay, stop, or even reverse aging. As gauge realistic potentials and consequences for individuals and socie- part of this effort, we turn to key stakeholders in the “longevity ties. movement” (Scott & DeFrancesco, 2015) to examine what they perceive The actors involved in this pursuit are central in modeling our un- to be the broader goals, values, and ethical imperatives shaping the derstanding of the potential bene fits and downsides to pursuing long- pursuit of longer, healthier lives in light of modern approaches to evity research. Despite the influence and importance of these views, few human life extension. These are embedded in larger narratives about empirical studies on stakeholder perspectives focus on the major social technology, aging, and death, and how we should prioritize today's and ethical debates animating the field, and instead focus on internal resources in anticipation of an imagined—and sometimes ideali- divisions among longevity experts. Much of the empirical literature zed—future. describing the viewpoints of these two groups gives evidence of the “boundary work” (Gieryn, 1983) by which classical aging researchers Background attempt to distinguish themselves from the non- or “pseudo”-scientific providers of therapies and commodities in the highly profitable anti- Over fifteen years ago, Juengst et al. (Juengst, Binstock, Mehlman, aging industry (Cardona, 2007, Fishman, Flatt, & Settersten Jr, 2015, & Post, 2003) called for better engagement of the public into Fishman, Settersten Jr, & Flatt, 2010, Mykytyn, 2006, Settersten Jr, ⁎ Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (K. Kostick). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2019.100800 Received 18 April 2019; Received in revised form 3 July 2019; Accepted 6 July 2019 Available online 19 July 2019 0890-4065/ © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. K. Kostick, et al. Journal of Aging Studies 50 (2019) 100800 Fishman, Lambrix, Flatt, & Binstock, 2009). Juengst (Juengst, Binstock, Table 1 Mehlman, Post, & Whitehouse, 2003) has gone so far as to identify a Interviewees by category. “ ” war on words by which biogerontologists have sought to discredit Interviewee type Frequency what they judge to be fraudulent promises from anti-aging specialists to intervene in the aging process. This war is further fraught with persis- Executive 5 tent disagreement about what the very terms used in these debates refer Ideologue 2 “ ”“ ”“ ”“ Philosopher/ethicist/scholar 10 to (e.g. life extension, aging intervention, anti-aging, longevity Scientist/researcher 4 medicine,” etc.) (Settersten Jr et al., 2009). The tension between them Theologian 2 stems from historical differences in how each of these groups have Writer/author/journalist 1 ⁎ taken the stage in today's “longevity situation” (Scott, 2017). Over time Total # interviewees 22 additional, more polarizing factions have joined this discourse, in- Note: ⁎ Frequencies do not sum to 22 because of role overlap for cluding transhumanists who endorse the use of technologies to improve 2 respondents. and lengthen—even perfect—human lives and fundamentally alter the human condition (Bostrom, 2005a; Bostrom, 2005b). As a result, the and desirable – in reality these two groups are not mutually exclusive, conversation surrounding what constitutes legitimate science and who with many thinkers in the field acknowledging both positive and ne- rightfully belongs at the fringe continues to intensify. gative potentials for greater longevity, and spanning different roles While an intractable part of the longevity discourse, this boundary outlines in Table 2. Similarly, we speak about enthusiasts of transhu- work potentially distracts from a deeper engagement with how in- manism referring to those who wish to move beyond current human dividuals and societies should address the potentials of this longevity capabilities through the use of enhancement technologies, some of movement with respect to agreed-upon values or ethical guideposts. An which entail achievement of a radically longer human lifespan (Overall, important exception is Settersten et al.'s (Settersten Jr, Flatt, & 2003). Ponsaran, 2008) study which goes beyond questions of professional All interviewees were first contacted by the principle investigator identity and legitimacy to address perspectives of 43 biogerontologists (PI) via email, and interviews were conducted by the PI and/or two on some of the primary criticisms of longevity research, including the fellow researchers via a secure online meeting portal on a server misconception that a central goal is to achieve immortality rather than through the host institution (Baylor College of Medicine). An interview eliminate or “compress” (Fries, 2005) the period of age-related disease guide was developed collaboratively among co-authors to explore key and decline. Their study also addresses objections related to interfering influences, aspirations, and values that propel longevity research, with with the “natural processes” of aging (see also Callahan, 1995, special attention to questions probing the uncertainties, fears, and an- Fukuyama, 2003, Kass, 2004), concerns about implications of enhanced ticipated consequences of aging and longevity research. Questions ex- longevity for fairness and distributive justice (Glannon, 2002; Mauron, plored how social actors interact and respond to one another in an ef- 2005; Pijnenburg & Leget, 2007) and the utilitarian costs versus ben- fort to provide context for a “thick description” (Geertz, 2008) of values efits of extended lifespans for individuals and society (e.g. Baron, 2006, and beliefs implicated in the longevity situation (Scott, 2017). Caplan, 2004, Post, 2004, Stock & Callahan, 2004). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and ana- Our study contributes an empirical view of these stakeholders' ra- lyzed using MAXQDA software (Kuckartz, 2014). A code book was tionales for supporting or criticizing the pursuit of longevity research as developed collaboratively by the research team, all of whom partici- a whole, drawing from interviews with major players in the contentious pated in coding and analysis. The group completed three rounds of social world of longevity
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Ageing Haematopoietic Stem Cell Compartment
    REVIEWS The ageing haematopoietic stem cell compartment Hartmut Geiger1,2, Gerald de Haan3 and M. Carolina Florian1 Abstract | Stem cell ageing underlies the ageing of tissues, especially those with a high cellular turnover. There is growing evidence that the ageing of the immune system is initiated at the very top of the haematopoietic hierarchy and that the ageing of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) directly contributes to changes in the immune system, referred to as immunosenescence. In this Review, we summarize the phenotypes of ageing HSCs and discuss how the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms of HSC ageing might promote immunosenescence. Stem cell ageing has long been considered to be irreversible. However, recent findings indicate that several molecular pathways could be targeted to rejuvenate HSCs and thus to reverse some aspects of immunosenescence. HSC niche The current demographic shift towards an ageing popu- The innate immune system is also affected by ageing. A specialized lation is an unprecedented global phenomenon that has Although an increase in the number of myeloid precur- microenvironment that profound implications. Ageing is associated with tissue sors has been described in the bone marrow of elderly interacts with haematopoietic attrition and an increased incidence of many types of can- people, the oxidative burst and the phagocytic capacity of stem cells (HSCs) to regulate cers, including both myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias, and both macrophages and neutrophils are decreased in these their fate. other haematopoietic cell malignancies1,2. Thus, we need individuals12,13. Moreover, the levels of soluble immune to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of mediators are altered with ageing.
    [Show full text]
  • Biogerontology: a Novel Tool to Stay Healthy in Old Age
    MoPAct Policy Brief: 5 Biogerontology: a novel tool to stay healthy in old age Policy priority Healthy lifestyle interventions in particular regarding nutrition and vaccination need to be implemented early in life with a lifecourse perspective. Summary: Key findings: • Accumulating evidence from experimental studies shows that aging is not inevitably linked with the development of chronic diseases. • Only 20-25% of healthy life expectancy (HLE) is predetermined by genes; lifestyle and environment play a major role. • Age-associated accumulation of molecular and cellular damage can be prevented or greatly delayed by lifestyle interventions e.g. dietary manipulations. • Classical strategies (e.g. nutrition, exercise, vaccination) require broad communication to public. • Novel strategies (e.g. dietary interventions, novel drugs, stem cells) need successful translation from the understanding of molecular mechanism to animal models to clinic. • To be successful interventions need to be started early Figure 1. Strategies to increase HLE. (1) Classical interventions include nutrition, exercise, vaccination, no smoking/alcohol/drugs. (2) Novel interventions include in life with a life-course perspective. dietary interventions, clearance of senescent and damaged cells, mitohormetics, stem cells, drugs against inflammation, rejuvenation factors from blood, telomeres, Background: epigenetic drugs, chaperons and proteolytic systems (novel interventions adapted from López-Otín et al., Cell 2013). Population aging is progressing fast in all developed countries. Aging is associated with the development of multiple serious chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart Prevention disease, stroke, cancer, cognitive impairment and increased Prevention prior to the development of age-associated diseases morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. As people is key for successful aging.
    [Show full text]
  • Longevity Extension from a Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, and Potential Outcomes
    Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal Volume 2 Issue 1 Article 4 2016-12-15 Longevity Extension from a Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, and Potential Outcomes Eric Ralph University of Puget Sound Follow this and additional works at: https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/sounddecisions Part of the Bioethics and Medical Ethics Commons Recommended Citation Ralph, Eric (2016) "Longevity Extension from a Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, and Potential Outcomes," Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/sounddecisions/vol2/iss1/4 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Publications at Sound Ideas. It has been accepted for inclusion in Sound Decisions: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal by an authorized editor of Sound Ideas. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Ralph: Longevity Extension Longevity Extension from a Socioeconomic Perspective: Plausibility, Misconceptions, and Potential Outcomes Eric Ralph Introduction In the last several decades, a significant amount of progress has been made in pursuits to better understand the process of aging and subsequently gain some level of control over it. Current theories of aging are admittedly lacking, but this has not prevented biogerontologists from drastically increasing the longevity of yeast, drosophilae, worms, and mice (Vaiserman, Moskalev, & Pasyukova 2015; Tosato, Zamboni et al. 2007; Riera & Dillin 2015). Wide-ranging successes with gene therapy and increased comprehension of the genetic components of aging have also recently culminated in numerous successes in extending the longevity of animals and the first human trial of a gene therapy to extend life through telomerase manipulation is already underway, albeit on a small scale (Mendell et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Worms Under Stress: Unravelling Genetic Complex Traits Through Perturbation
    Worms under stress: unravelling genetic complex traits through perturbation Miriam Rodriguez Sanchez Thesis committee Promotor Prof. Dr Jaap Bakker Professor of Nematology Wageningen University Co-promotor Dr Jan E. Kammenga Associate professor, Laboratory of Nematology Wageningen University Other members Prof. Dr Bas J. Zwaan, Wageningen University Prof. Dr Hendrik.C. Korswagen, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht Prof. Dr Ellen Nollen, European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), Groningen Dr Gino B. Poulin, University of Manchester, United Kingdom This research was conducted under the auspices of the Graduate School of Production Ecology and Resource Conservation (PE&RC). Worms under stress: unravelling genetic complex traits through perturbation Miriam Rodriguez Sanchez Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor at Wageningen University by the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. dr. M.J. Kropff, in the presence of the Thesis Committee appointed by the Academic Board to be defended in public on Friday 14 March 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Aula. Miriam Rodriguez Sanchez Worms under stress: unravelling genetic complex traits through perturbation 130 pages PhD thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2014) With references, with summaries in Dutch and English ISBN: 978-94-6173-851-6 A mi padre CONTENTS Contents Chapter 1 General Introduction ........................................................................... 3 Chapter 2 C. elegans stress response and its relevance to complex human disease and aging ................................................. 15 Chapter 3 Uncovering genotype specific variation of Wnt signaling in C. elegans .................................................................... 33 Chapter 4 Genetic variation for stress-response hormesis in C. elegans life span ......................................................................... 55 Chapter 5 Molecular confirmation of trans-regulatory eQTL in C.
    [Show full text]
  • "Anti-Aging Medicine" and "Successful Aging" Two Sides of the Same Coin? Views of Anti-Aging Practitioners
    Flail. M.A., Seuerslen. R. A. Jr. , Ponsaran. R., & Fis hman. J.R. (20 1] ). Are ··:mt i-aging medicine'' and ··successful aging'' IWO sides of I he same coin ? Views of an ti-aging practitioners. Jmmwls or Geromolog y, Series 8: Psychological Scie11ces and Social Sciences. 68(6 ). 944--95 5. do i: 10.1093/geronb/gbt086. Ad va nce Access publicati on Septembe r 10. 20 13 Are "Anti-Aging Medicine" and "Successful Aging" Two Sides of the Same Coin? Views of Anti-Aging Practitioners Michael A. Flatt, 1 Richard A. Settersten Jr., 2 Roselle Ponsaran, 1 and Jennifer R. Fishman' 'Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. 2Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 3Biomedical Ethics Unit and the Department of the Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University, Quebec, Canada. Objectives. This article analyzes data from interviews with anti-aging practitioners to evaluate how their descriptions of the work they do, their definitions of aging, and their goals for their patients intersect with gerontological views of "successful aging." Method. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of 3 I anti-aging practitioners drawn from the direc­ tory of the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine. Results. Qualitative analysis of the transcripts demonstrate that practitioners' descriptions of their goals, intentionall y or unintentionally, mimic the dominant models of "successful aging." These include lowered ri sk of disease and di sabil ­ ity, maintenance of high levels of mental and physical function. and continuing social engagement. Yet, the means and modes of achieving·these goals differ markedly between the two groups, as do the messages that each group puts fo rth in defending their position s.
    [Show full text]
  • Supercentenarians Landscape Overview
    Supercentenarians Landscape Overview Top-100 Living Top-100 Longest-Lived Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active Executive and Infographic Summary GERONTOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP www.aginganalytics.com www.grg.org Supercentenarians Landscape Overview Foreword 3 Top-100 Living Supercentenarians Overview 44 Preface. How Long Can Humans Live and 4 Ages of Oldest Living Supercentenarians by Country 46 the Importance of Age Validation Top-100 Living Supercentenarians Continental Executive Summary 10 47 Distribution by Gender Introduction. 26 Top-100 Living Supercentenarians Distribution by Age 50 All Validated Supercentenarians Сhapter III. Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active All Supercentenarians Region Distribution by Gender 29 52 Living Centenarians Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active Centenarians All Supercentenarians Distribution by Nations 30 53 Overview Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active Centenarians Longest-Lived Supercentenarians Distribution by Country 31 54 Distribution by Nation Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active Centenarians All Supercentenarians Distribution by Gender and Age 32 55 Gender Distribution Top-25 Socially and Professionally Active Centenarians Сhapter I. Top-100 Longest-Lived Supercentenarians 35 56 Distribution by Type of Activity Chapter IV. Profiles of Top-100 Longest-Lived Top-100 Longest-Lived Supercentenarians Overview 36 57 Supercentenarians Top-100 Longest-Lived Supercentenarians Regional 38 Chapter V. Profiles of Top-100 Living Supercentenarians 158 Distribution by Gender Top-100 Longest-Lived Supercentenarians Distribution by Chapter VI. Profiles of Top-25 Socially and Professionally 40 259 Age Active Living Centenarians and Nonagenarians Сhapter II. Top-100 Living Supercentenarians 43 Disclaimer 285 Executive Summary There have always been human beings who have lived well beyond normal life expectancy, these ‘supercentenarians’ who lived past 110 years of age.
    [Show full text]
  • Shared Ageing Research Models (Sharm): a New Facility to Support Ageing Research
    Biogerontology (2013) 14:789–794 DOI 10.1007/s10522-013-9457-0 METHOD Shared Ageing Research Models (ShARM): a new facility to support ageing research Adele L. Duran • Paul Potter • Sara Wells • Tom Kirkwood • Thomas von Zglinicki • Anne McArdle • Cheryl Scudamore • Qing-Jun Meng • Gerald de Haan • Anne Corcoran • Ilaria Bellantuono Received: 5 July 2013 / Accepted: 16 August 2013 / Published online: 2 October 2013 Ó The Author(s) 2013. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract In order to manage the rise in life expec- Wellcome Trust, open to all investigators. It collects, tancy and the concomitant increased occurrence of stores and distributes flash frozen tissues from aged age-related diseases, research into ageing has become murine models through its biorepository and provides a strategic priority. Mouse models are commonly a database of live ageing mouse colonies available in utilised as they share high homology with humans and the UK and abroad. It also has an online environment show many similar signs and diseases of ageing. (MICEspace) for collation and analysis of data from However, the time and cost needed to rear aged communal models and discussion boards on subjects cohorts can limit research opportunities. Sharing of such as the welfare of ageing animals and common resources can provide an ethically and economically endpoints for intervention studies. Since launching in superior framework to overcome some of these issues July 2012, thanks to the generosity of researchers in but requires dedicated infrastructure. Shared Ageing UK and Europe, ShARM has collected more than Research Models (ShARM) (www.ShARMUK.org) 2,500 tissues and has in excess of 2,000 mice regis- is a new, not-for-profit organisation funded by tered in live ageing colonies.
    [Show full text]
  • Viewer Comments
    Article Oxylipin biosynthesis reinforces cellular senescence and allows detection of senolysis Graphical abstract Authors Christopher D. Wiley, Rishi Sharma, Sonnet S. Davis, ..., Marco Demaria, Arvind Ramanathan, Judith Campisi Correspondence [email protected] (C.D.W.), [email protected] (A.R.), [email protected] (J.C.) In brief Senolytics, transgenic, and pharmacological interventions that selectively kill senescent cells are currently in clinical trials aiming to treat age-related degenerative pathologies. Here, Wiley et al. discover that senescent cells produce multiple signaling lipids known as oxylipins. One oxylipin, dihomo-15d-PGJ2, promotes features of senescence by activating RAS and is released from cells during senolysis, serving as the first biomarker of the Highlights process in culture and in vivo. d Senescent cells make several oxylipins, dihomo- prostaglandins, and leukotrienes d Dihomo-15d-PGJ2 is intracellular during senescence and released during senolysis d Dihomo-15d-PGJ2 activates RAS, promoting senescence and the SASP d Positive feedback between prostaglandins, RAS, and p53 maintains senescence Wiley et al., 2021, Cell Metabolism 33, 1–13 June 1, 2021 ª 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2021.03.008 ll Please cite this article in press as: Wiley et al., Oxylipin biosynthesis reinforces cellular senescence and allows detection of senolysis, Cell Metabolism (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2021.03.008 ll Article Oxylipin biosynthesis reinforces cellular senescence and allows detection of senolysis Christopher D. Wiley,1,2,* Rishi Sharma,1 Sonnet S. Davis,1 Jose Alberto Lopez-Dominguez,1 Kylie P. Mitchell,1 Samantha Wiley,1 Fatouma Alimirah,1 Dong Eun Kim,1 Therese Payne,1 Andrew Rosko,1 Eliezer Aimontche,1 Sharvari M.
    [Show full text]
  • HCB 524 — Transhumanism
    HCB 524 Special Topic in Bioethics Fall Semester, 2019. Tuesdays 6-8:30pm. Instructor of Record: Adam Sepe, MA, MLS(ASCP)cm [email protected] Course Description: Transhumanism and [Human?] Dignity. Throughout human history — and prehistory for that matter — technological advancement has drastically altered every aspect of human life. Most of us will say that many advents — such as cooking and the wheel — have been largely, if not entirely, beneficial. Would we say the same of all technology? Surely each of us can list technologies that have, in the very least, some considerable downsides. So while history and experience can tell us that some technologies are beneficial and that some other technologies are harmful, how can we know what kind of impact future technology will have? For now we can’t, and so all we can do is try, to the best of our ability, to imagine such futures and develop our technology with these considerations in mind. ‘Transhumanism’ refers a diverse collection of ideas that have one at least thing in common: through future technology, humanity will be fundamentally altered to an unprecedented degree. Some even believe there will come a time when, through our own action, the word ‘human’ will be obsolete; that we will be succeeded by entities (or an entity) for which ‘human’ does not apply. Most people who identify as transhumanists are, to varying degrees, proponents of such technology. They are in favor of such alterations and they argue that these will be beneficial. In this course, we will take a critical look at transhumanist claims.
    [Show full text]
  • A Historical Perspective of Research on the Biology of Aging from Nathan W
    Experimental Gerontology, Vol. 27, pp. 261-273, 1992 0531-5565/92 $5.00 + .00 Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. Copyright© 1992 Pergamon Press Ltd. Point of View A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF RESEARCH ON THE BIOLOGY OF AGING FROM NATHAN W. SHOCK GEORGE T. BAKER, liP* and W. ANDREW ACHENBAUM 2 )Shock Aging Research Foundation, 14628 Carona Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20905 and 21nstitute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2007 Abstract -- This article describes some of the thoughts and the conceptual framework from which Nathan W. Shock prepared his last major presentation. This paper, written some 8 months following Dr. Shock's death on November 12, 1989, is based upon his extensive notes and discussions with one of the authors (George T. Baker). This presen- tation in no way is meant to encapsulate the long and distinguished career of Nathan Shock, but rather to provide a glimpse of his perspectives on the development of the field ofaging. Furthermore, we believe that the scientificprinciples concerning aging research laid out by Dr. Shock in this publication are still valid today and may provide valuable insights for researchers in the field. Key Words: aging research, testable hypotheses, mechanisms of aging A CRITICAL HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ON THE BIOLOGY OF AGING NATHAN W. SHOCK delivered his last major address, "Gerontology, the Study of Aging-- Past and Future," at the July 1989 Gordon Research Conference on the Biology of Aging. Four months beforehand, Shock began to review the historical development of biogeron- tology with the first author; he continued to refine his opinions until his death in Novem- ber 1989.
    [Show full text]
  • Syllabus 2018
    FINAL DRAFT Summer One Semester 2018 HCB 504 BIOTECHNOLOGY: Special Topics Room 067 Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays 6 – 8:30 pm Instructor of Record: Migdal, Kobba, Post Phyllis Migdal, MD MA [email protected] Timothy Kobba MA [email protected] Stephen Post PhD [email protected] Course Description: Dignity and Biomedical Aspirations – Therapy, Enhancement & Transhumanism The three “supers” of transhumanism are not just “science fiction.” Super-longevity, super-happiness, and super-intelligence, along with perfect babies, are works-in-progress at the interface of “old” evolved human nature as we have known it and technical progress toward the posthuman of our own creation. With the astonishing biotechnological powers that are increasingly reshaping nature and human nature, are we in a “transitional state” (transhumanism) en route to a redesigned posthuman future in which current limitations are overcome? Four centuries ago, Francis Bacon announced the biological utopia of the future in his The New Atlantis, replete with fountains of youth and chimeras. The term “transhumanism” was originally coined by the British biologist philosopher Julian Huxley in a 1957 essay to capture the ways in which social institutions could supplant evolution in refining and improving the species, as could technology. Sensory perception, emotive ability, cognitive capacity, health and life spans could all be augmented. The term was taken over in the 1990s by British philosopher Max More, who began defining the principles
    [Show full text]
  • Dissecting Aging and Senescence—Current Concepts and Open Lessons
    cells Review Dissecting Aging and Senescence—Current Concepts and Open Lessons 1,2, , 1,2, 1 1,2 Christian Schmeer * y , Alexandra Kretz y, Diane Wengerodt , Milan Stojiljkovic and Otto W. Witte 1,2 1 Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Thuringia, Germany; [email protected] (A.K.); [email protected] (D.W.); [email protected] (M.S.); [email protected] (O.W.W.) 2 Jena Center for Healthy Ageing, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Thuringia, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected] These authors have contributed equally. y Received: 2 October 2019; Accepted: 13 November 2019; Published: 15 November 2019 Abstract: In contrast to the programmed nature of development, it is still a matter of debate whether aging is an adaptive and regulated process, or merely a consequence arising from a stochastic accumulation of harmful events that culminate in a global state of reduced fitness, risk for disease acquisition, and death. Similarly unanswered are the questions of whether aging is reversible and can be turned into rejuvenation as well as how aging is distinguishable from and influenced by cellular senescence. With the discovery of beneficial aspects of cellular senescence and evidence of senescence being not limited to replicative cellular states, a redefinition of our comprehension of aging and senescence appears scientifically overdue. Here, we provide a factor-based comparison of current knowledge on aging and senescence, which we converge on four suggested concepts, thereby implementing the newly emerging cellular and molecular aspects of geroconversion and amitosenescence, and the signatures of a genetic state termed genosenium.
    [Show full text]