Forever
By Malcolm Cameron
Life: we're born, we live, we die. One way or another the finality of our passing away is inevitable. Since the beginnings of humanity, death has been a certainty, but as of late, the prospect of a far extended lifespan or even immortality is becoming more and more a possibility.
Something that is fundamental in the understanding of how we might live for a lengthier period of time is how we age. In existence are many theories as to why we age, and because of this there is no agreed upon explanation. The Free-Radical theory for instance blames the introduction of extremely reactive atoms, molecules or ions into the body through the oxygen we breath which have the propensity to damage our cells, leading to the eventual decline of our bodies’ well being, much like a rusting piece of metal. Another theory simply states that aging is due to completely random occurrences, which damage our genetic codes over time. Scientists lately however have been considering the Telomere Theory when it comes to extending the length of the human life. Telomeres are located at the ends of each chromosome, and protect them from losing information during cell division, similar to the enamel covering the sensitive parts of a tooth. But while our chromosomes are kept from degradation, the state of each telomere is not. Eventually a telomere becomes so short that it is no longer able to preserve the chromosome that is part of. In the end a cell can no longer divide and in time it dies.
But what if our telomeres could be kept from shortening? This is the question geneticists have been asking themselves. If we were to genetically modify or add to our genes, could we become immortal? Who knows how exactly one could achieve this? Perhaps through the enzyme telomerase, found in younger cells, which maintains the telomeres’ fully functioning state or maybe in the future, it will turn out to be through something entirely different.
Although an exciting and far-fetched prospect, what might the implications of this be? The option to hypothetically live for eternity, in a world where the rich have access to everything and the poor to nothing, would very likely be available only to a select number of the socially and economically elite. But if immortality became a widespread feature in human beings, questions of overpopulation would certainly arise. Would we be forced to sacrifice our ability or right to raise children for the sake of our own longevity? Some, of religious faith might argue that interfering with our bodies in such a way would be an insult to whatever deity they worship, that we were made to live the way do and should not alter ourselves in the least. Would we lose appreciation for life itself, if it never came to a close? If ever it comes to this, these are the questions that must come under true and extensive consideration. Before we decide to live on forever.