In <NV91-ASA.95Feb13174923 at mumrik.nada.kth.se> nv91-asa at mumrik.nada.kth.se
(Anders Sandberg) writes:
>>John de Rivaz wrote:
>>I have been asked to gather information on attitudes of optimism and
>>resistance to life extension by genetic programming.
>>(I assume you mean genetic engineering, not genetic programming which is
>something completely different).
>>I would say I'm optimistic about the technical possibilities, once we
>overcome most of our rather irrational resistance against modifying the
>human genome. Some possibilities (which I really would like to hear
>comments about):
>>Increasing expression of superoxide-dismutase and other anti-oxidation
>enzymes; this will make the body more resistant to free radicals,
>environmental dangers and perhaps slow aging somewhat.
>>Increase of DNA correction rate by increasing expression of repair enzymes
>These two methods don't appear that hard to use, since we only need to
>create more copies or promoters for the genes (evolution haven't done this,
>since it would require more energy (which we humans have plenty of) and
>long lifespan is normally not selected for).
>>If the telomer-theory of cell death is true, then improvements of telomerase
>activity would also prolong the lifespan. However, this may require some
>careful design, since it would also increase the risk of cancer (this should
>preferably be used together with promotion of DNA repair enzymes and anti-
>oncogenes).
>>Are there other useful methods? I'm working right now on a page about
>possible genetic modifications, and would be grateful for additions.
>--
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Anders Sandberg Towards
Ascension!
>nv91-asa at hemul.nada.kth.sehttp://www.nada.kth.se/~nv91-asa/main.html>GCS/M/S/O d++ -p+ c++++ !l u+ e++ m++ s+/+ n--- h+/* f+ g+ w++ t+ r+ !y
>>>--
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Anders Sandberg Towards
Ascension!
>nv91-asa at hemul.nada.kth.sehttp://www.nada.kth.se/~nv91-asa/main.html>GCS/M/S/O d++ -p+ c++++ !l u+ e++ m++ s+/+ n--- h+/* f+ g+ w++ t+ r+ !y
>>>One modification could be to correct the species wide genetic defect of not
being able to synthesize Vitamin C in our liver.
-Bill
