LONDON – A groundbreaking assertion has emerged from the scientific community: humans could potentially live for up to 1,000 years, provided a critical breakthrough in DNA repair is achieved.
The Quest for Longevity
The pursuit of immortality has long fascinated both the realms of science fiction and real-world research. Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, a Professor of Molecular Biogeology at the University of Birmingham, UK, posits that humans might someday live for thousands of years. However, he emphasizes that achieving such longevity hinges on a single, yet-to-be-discovered factor.
Understanding the Mysteries of Ageing
Professor de Magalhaes, renowned for his work in biogerontology, believes the key lies in deciphering the mechanisms of ageing. His research focuses on the genomes of long-lived animals like the Greenland whale and the naked mole rat. According to him, halting the ageing process entirely is the future of biogerontology.
“We need to learn how to repair DNA and reprogram cells for a radically different ageing process,” de Magalhaes told ScienceAlert.
The Greenland whale, for instance, possesses the ability to repair its DNA, enabling it to withstand diseases that would typically affect humans. In humans, the p53 gene, located on chromosome 17, plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and division. However, it is inactive in 50% of cancers, which significantly reduces life expectancy.
Scientific Progress and Its Promises
Professor de Magalhaes argues that if ageing is indeed programmed into our DNA, it might be possible to reprogram cells to modify the genes involved in this process. He draws parallels with historical medical advancements, stating:
“My great-grandfather died of pneumonia, a leading cause of death in the 1920s. Today, it can be treated with a simple dose of penicillin. I think we can do the same with ageing.”
While the prospect of eternal youth remains distant, de Magalhaes suggests that inspiration can be drawn from certain compounds found in animals to extend human life expectancy. Rapamycin, for instance, is known to extend the lifespan of certain mammals by 10-15% and is already used in humans for organ transplants.
Potential Developments in Longevity Drugs
De Magalhaes is optimistic about the development of drugs akin to statins, which are taken daily to reduce the risk of heart disease, but for the purpose of longevity. He states:
“If we could slow down human ageing by 10 or even 5%, that would already be incredible.”
Future Implications and Next Steps
While the notion of living for 1,000 or even 20,000 years remains speculative, the advancements in understanding and potentially manipulating the ageing process could revolutionize human health and lifespan in the coming centuries. The scientific community continues to explore the possibilities, driven by the hope of unlocking the secrets to unprecedented human longevity.
