Throughout human history, humans have been afflicted and curious by their own mortality, because of this curiosity, humans have taken it upon themselves to prolong this affliction. In the past, the plan to alter the life expectancy of humans would sound too complex and far-fetched to be an attainable feature for this day and age. Anyone speaking of treatments to alter human lifespans were seen as berserk, but it may just be feasible. Technology is ever-evolving, giving us the opportunity to optimize many aspects of our lives. In the article “Can Human Mortality Be Hacked?”, the author gives questions, allowing the reader to form their ideas, along with giving subtle clues to their own unpropitious views.
With rapid advancements in bioengineering, Harvard Medical School researchers believe they’ve found the answers. Using a chemical to manipulate genes associated with blood vessel growth, they found a way to make old mice stronger. With this, biohackers are engrossed by nootropics and other supplements in an attempt to boost cognitive abilities and prevent brain aging. From supplements to changing the position of bone marrow, many techniques are being used in an attempt to find a longer life span. TheWeek.com writes how many feel “a widespread distrust that these enhancements would be used responsibly and safely.” Most of the public are either skeptical or firmly opposed, while many aging experts are not convinced. University of Michigan professor Richard Miller believes this life-span goal is “so far from plausible that it commands no respect at all within the informed scientific community.” With the oldest humans living to about 120 years old, experts believe “that’s pretty much the biological ceiling for human longevity.” Another concept to think about is the effects these treatments will have. They could have serious threats “not only because of the potentially disastrous consequences of botched treatments” but also the equally distressing means of success. Ethicist Blay Whitby warns “We need to think about the implications before it is too late.”
The idea of being able to hack the lifespan of humans is both complex and unnerving. With technological advances, this future is very possible, but at great costs. As TheWeek.com writes, these studies can help pre-existing medical conditions and monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals, but “you can’t upgrade a device without cutting out the old one.”
-;0