We now live twice as long as we did 150 years ago. Many live well past retirement age. There is extensive ongoing research into the biological process of aging. The ultimate goal is the prolongation of life and mitigation or delay of the debilitating accompaniments of advanced age. In his new book "Why We Die" Noble prize winning chemist Venki Ramakrishnan takes us on a fascinating tour of this research from the ancient Egyptians to the most up to date. Aging begins early in life with accumulating genetic damage although the cell has ingenious repair mechanisms. Scientists are exploiting this knowledge to devise novel treatments and techniques. Some of these treatments are very promising and others seem like snake oil. The author explores the outer limits of life expectantcy and what science could accomplish. He ends with several questions for discussion. What would happen if death were eliminated? What are the ethical issues in extending our life spans? Should we only be concerned with mitigating or delaying the disability which accompanies advanced age?
Although there are descriptions of cellular anatomy, biochemical processes and genetics the book is aimed for the non-scientist. It is an entertaining and informative read. Please join us for 7 weeks of discussions about the latest research on how to live healthier and longer.
Week 1 pp1-37: What is death? The four ways humans cope with the fear of death from one culture to another. Our germ cells are immortal as we pass our DNA to our children. From an evolutionary perspective why do women have menopause? In the animal kingdom larger animals live longer. Why?
Week 2 pp 38-73: Why has our life span increased? What are the outer limits to life span? How do our genes control our bodies? Genetic mutations: chance or external factors? The cell can repair damaged DNA.
Week 3 pp 73-103: Shortening of DNA during transcription. The complete description of the human genome discovered. Epigenetics, how the environment can make permanent changes in how genes are expressed. Research on animal models at the cellular level. People age at different rates. Why? Cloning. Ethics of cloning humans.
Week 4 pp 104-133: The cellular basis for dementia. The latest research on treatment and prevention.
Week 5 pp 133-165: The effect of caloric restriction on aging. Research on rapamycin and TOR. Lessons from a lowly worm. Growth hormone. Metformin. Red wine.
Week 6 pp 165-212: Mitochondria and ATP. Antioxidants and free radicals. Exercise. Our cells are replaced frequently. Stem cells. Infuse young blood into old bodies.
Week 7 pp 196-240: Crackpots or prophets in the antiaging industry. Cryonics. David Sinclair and California tech billionaires. Reduce the fractiion of our lives in poor health. Should we live forever? Ethical concerns.
Bibliography
"Why We Die" by Venki Ramakrishnan ; copyright 2024, Harper Collins publisher