This is now happening mainly because it is becoming plausible.
Recent work has blown open the problem sufficiently that pathways are
now worth investigating. I would not be surprised to discover that
the solution even turns out to be easy. Keep that thought.
The ultimate human lifespan will not be earthly immortality but it
can be centuries for individuals who prepare themselves. Recent work
has already shown us that telomeres can be rebuilt and that implies
restoration to one's prime is a viable proposition.
When I started this blog, interest was still modest, but has since
rapidly expanded. Researchers are beginning to believe.
Zuckerberg, Brin
join forces to extend life
by Staff Writers
San Francisco (AFP) Feb 20, 2013
Famed founders of
Internet rivals Google and Facebook joined forces on Wednesday to
back big-money prizes for research aimed at extending human life.
Sergey Brin and Mark
Zuckerberg, along with their spouses, joined Russian venture
capitalist Yuri Milner to award 11 scientists $3 million each to
launch the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
"Priscilla and I
are honored to be part of this," Zuckerberg said.
"We believe the
Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences has the potential to provide a
platform for other models of philanthropy, so people everywhere have
an opportunity at a better future."
Art Levinson, who
chairs boards at mobile device powerhouse Apple and biotechnology
star Genentech, will head the non-profit foundation created to
support breakthrough research.
Levinson said he
believes the prize will spotlight outstanding minds in medicine and
hopes it will help enhance medical innovation.
Zuckerberg, Milner,
and Brin's wife Anne Wojcicki will be on the foundation's board of
directors. They have agreed that going forward, five annual
Breakthrough prizes of $3 million each will be awarded.
"We are thrilled
to support scientists who think big, take risks and have made a
significant impact on our lives," said Wojcicki, co-founder of
startup 23andMe, which provides personal DNA testing services.
"These scientists
should be household names and heroes in society."
Brin remarked that
"curing a disease should be worth more than a touchdown" in
an apparent reference to riches heaped on professional athletes such
as those who play US football.
This year's
Breakthrough Prize winners, many of whom targeted cancer in their
research, agreed to serve on a committee to select future honorees.
"Solving the
enormous complexity of human diseases calls for a much bigger effort
compared to fundamental physics and therefore requires multiple
sponsors to reward outstanding achievements," Milner said of the
Silicon Valley heavyweights teaming up to back the award.
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