Daily Archives: April 8, 2024

Bryan Johnson is a software entrepreneur who

Johnson is just one of many ber rich people spending billions to prevent themselves from growing old. But eventually, they may run up against a fierce obstacle in their quest for eternal youth: the laws of physics. So is immortality possible?

The thermal motion of thousands of water molecules smashing into our cells molecular machines can break the bonds between molecules. Over time, this wears out our cells.

There are a few possible reasons why we age. The evolutionary argument is that each generation of creatureswhether human, animal, or plantmust grow old and die to make way for a new generation. In that case, the fact that our bodies stop repairing themselves at a point isnt a design flaw, but a feature.

Alternately, or possibly in tandem, is the wearing-out theory of aging. There are various molecular machines, that do everything from replicating cells to moving nutrients where they need to be in our bodies, biophysicist and nanomechanics expert Peter Hoffmann, Ph.D, eloquently explains in an article for Nautilus Magazine. As these machines go about their business, they are surrounded by thousands of water molecules, which randomly crash into them a trillion times a second. This is what physicists euphemistically call thermal motion. Violent thermal chaos would be more apt, he writes.

This thermal motion, Hoffman says, provides a source of energy that these molecular machines can harness for their work; but it is also responsible for breaking bonds between molecules. When he and his colleagues replicated this action in a lab, they found the survival probability of the bonds plotted against applied force looks just like human survival plotted versus agewhich suggests a possible connection between breaking protein bonds and agingand between aging and thermal motion.

In other words, just through living, we experience basic wear and tear. Unlike inanimate objects, we can repair our systems after such damage, but there are still limits.

Leonard Hayflick, Ph.D, has worked as professor of anatomy and microbiology, and is among the foremost experts on aging. He developed what is known as the Hayflick Limitthat is, the number of times human DNA cells can replicate before they become senescent, or stop replicating and take on a different form associated with age. After a lifetime of study, Hayflick supports the wear-and-tear explanation of aging.

Everything in the universe ages for the same reason your car is brilliant because it knows how to age without any instructions, either in the car itself or in the blueprints, Hayflick says in a 2015 presentation on biological aging held at the University of California, San Francisco. So why is the second law of thermodynamics the probable cause of aging? It governs the behavior of all molecules; it can explain the ultimate cause of all other theories of aging; it is testable using current technologies; its falsifiable; it is universal and applies to both animate and inanimate objects.

Entropy is the condition of things moving from a more-ordered state to a less-ordered state; Rudolf Clausius first postulated the concept in the 1850s. The second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy, states that if the physical process is irreversible, the entropy of the system and the environment must increase; the final entropy must be greater than the initial entropy.

For instance, when you eat an apple, the fruit starts out in a low-entropy state, and its entropy increases as you chew it, digest it, and incorporate it into your bodys fuel system. Entropy increases among billions of different molecular processes in our complex bodily systems. The longer you live, the more entropy you will have experienced, and each new occasion of entropy can create a slew of new entropic processes, in turn.

Some of the damage that occurs in our bodies can be reversed, but with some 37 trillion different cells of 200 different types all affecting one another, there are cascading impacts. Your bodys repair systems simply cannot keep up, catching and reversing every last bit of molecular damage.

Your body is a hierarchical network of interlocking systems where everything acts with everything in a very complicated way, Hoffmann tells Popular Mechanics. If your DNA is a bit damaged, it affects the repair mechanisms, which can get a bit slower. This builds up. In principle, you could fix everything, but in practice, its just not possible, because of the complexity of the system. Recent studies have shown, for example, that transcription of DNA into proteins is compromised as organisms age. Since proteins do most of the work in cells and are responsible for the structure and function of the tissues, that can result in what we experience as aging.

Could blood transfusions from a young body increase an older persons lifespan? While research with mice shows a life-lengthening effect, the findings dont necessarily translate to humans.

Obviously, if you live in such a way that you reduce damage to your cells and organsyoure not sedentary, you dont drink too much, you provide adequate nutrition for your body to run onyou slow down the aging process, because you arent overtaxing the bodys ability to repair itself. Some scientists have found older mice that receive blood transfusions from young mice live longer, though the findings dont necessarily translate to humans.

But are there other ways humans can systematically slow aging? Yes, to a point, Hoffmann says.

Cooler temperatures sometimes help. Low-calorie diets can, too. Research on nematodes and mice show that exposure to medium-static magnetic fields might slow aging in the whole system. However, other studies show that exposure to electromagnetic fields can accelerate aging; scientists are still exploring the factors that affect these varied results. Aging, Hoffmann acknowledges, is a very complex process.

You can take as much vitamin C, and B, and A, eat all the good fruits, live in a beautiful place and meditate every day and do your exercises, and if youre lucky, maybe you reach 110 years old, Hoffmann says, but not 160. Though the human lifespan has doubled over the past century, thanks to improvements in hygiene, medicine, nutrition, and other factors, most scientists believe were unlikely to surpass the upper lifespan limit Jeanne Calment set in 1997 when she died at 122.

On the other hand, given our size, the human lifespan already far surpasses what it should logically be. With some notable exceptions, longevity often corresponds with the size of the animal. A mouse lives for two years, on average, while elephants live to 60, and blue whales swim on until age 90. With that in mind, we should top out at around 40 years of age, as most people did before about the 20th century. Animals in the wild seldom grow old because they die from predation, disease, or starvation long before they have a chance to develop inflammation and other issues of cellular aging.

Is It Ethical to Spend Billions to Live Forever?

Theres an ethical issue to the billions invested in making rich people live longer, too, Hoffmann notes. While their discoveries might help all people live longer, theres a vast disparity between how the rich and the not-so-rich will experience those extra years. The U.S. has a uniquely negative perspective on age and dying. Though it is one of the richest countries, life expectancy in the U.S. ranks 43rd in the world.

And why is it going down? Hoffmann asks. Its because were not setting up our society to be aging friendly at all. ... We put more stress on people all the time, our healthcare system is inefficient and often inaccessible, we dont have the physical environment to exercise properly, good food is expensive, and bad food is cheap. We put chemicals on everything. ... I live in Florida, and people put piles of chemicals on their lawns. You dont see insects anymore.

On top of that, most people dont have retirement savings; U.S. Social Security is rarely enough to live on, and ageism bars older people from employment. Though age can come with advantages, such as wisdom borne of experience and a sense of peace and happiness that replaces the anxiety of youth, these things are seldom valued as much as elastic skin and physical prowess.

And since climate change is set to make some places uninhabitable within the next 30 years, and rates of anxiety and depression are skyrocketing, it might be worth putting those billions into making life better for people in the years they do have.

Studies point out that being old is the greatest predictor of developing a fatal disease; but aging itself cant be a diseasediseases have causes, and are not universal. Aging is universal to all living things, and its only cause is time. The risk of death increases as one grows old, but the risk of death is 100 percent for all things that are alive.

People living in Blue Zonesplaces like Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, Californiatend to experience uniform longevity, and have the highest rates of centenarians, or people who reach the age of 100 years or more. Locals in Blue Zones inadvertently follow lifestyles that adhere to four rules:

Those living in Blue Zones do not have special diets or treatments or supplements. But theyre not really trying to live a long time. And theyre definitely not trying to stop aging.

Bryan Johnson did receive blood transfusions from his son, just like the mice that researchers studied in the lab. He doesnt do it anymore, Johnson says, because there was no detectable benefit. He is reportedly showing several markers of being youngerincluding more youthful bones and more nighttime erections.

But now, Johnson has a new mission: not dying. Ever.

He thinks dying is pass, unnecessary. And most of Johnsons life is structured to avoid anything that could contribute to the bodily entropy that leads to cascading molecular failures in the bodysunlight, pizza, margaritas, staying up late, arguably some of the greatest pleasures in life. One reporter for TIME magazine reported visiting Johnson at his home and laboratory, where he gave her a taste of the chocolate he allows himself. It had been un-dutched, stripped of heavy metals, and sourced only from regions with high polyphenol density. In her words, it tastes like a foot.

For some, the pursuit of slowingand maybe even reversingaging might be a passion project, like being able to bench press 250 pounds or play Paganinis 24 Caprices on the violin. Perhaps one day, well discover quantum aging, and then all the rules will be out the window.

But until then, go ahead and indulge in the little entropic luxurieslike a nice red wine or a crusty baguettethat make the life you do have worth living.

Susan Lahey is a journalist and writer whose work has been published in numerous places in the U.S. and Europe. She's covered ocean wave energy and digital transformation; sustainable building and disaster recovery; healthcare in Burkina Faso and antibody design in Austin; the soul of AI and the inspiration of a Tewa sculptor working from a hogan near the foot of Taos Mountain. She lives in Porto, Portugal with a view of the sea.

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Immortality Is PossibleWe Just Have to Overcome One Stubborn Law of Physics - Popular Mechanics

Avatar Kyoshi is widely regarded as one of the strongest incarnations of the Avatar. She was decisive in her role as the peacekeeper between the spirits and the four nations. As the Earth Bending Avatar, she was the predecessor to Avatar Roku, the founder of the Dai Li and the Kyoshi Warriors, and lived up to the age of 230 years.

At 230, Kyoshi was the most long-lived human that we have seen in the show. While earthbenders tend to have an unusually long lifespan in Avatar: The Last Airbender (such as Bumi still being one of the strongest Earthbenders at 112 years old), the novels might have revealed how Kyoshi might have unlocked the power to live for as long as she did.

Lao Ge was a spiritually inclined assassin who ran with the Flying Opera Company, a gang of criminals that operated during the early tenure of Avatar Kyoshi. When it was revealed to the world that Avatar Kyoshi was indeed the Master of the Four Elements, she would join the Flying Opera Company and be taken as a disciple by Lao Ge.

Lao Ge usually disguised himself as a good-for-nothing drunkard but claimed that he was almost 4000 years old. This was never corroborated in the novels, or the show, only hinted at from time to time. The creators of the show have never confirmed this claim in any of the interviews.

There is a possibility that Lao Ge is a hundred percent legitimate, and Kyoshi would be the best testament to that, given she lived longer than an average human being. Kyoshis spiritual training, in part, came from Lao Ge, which was also the secret of his immortality.

The manner in which immortality works in the world of Avatar is through meditation. Lao Ge alleged that he kept his body in order by meditation and keeping his body in alignment with the processes that it needed to keep going. Kyoshi could have learned this to extend her life till the age of 230. She is also rather youthful-looking compared to other Avatars who died of old age, This would point to the fact that Kyoshi probably had some juice left in the tank, but for whatever reason decided to give up immortality.

One section of the fandom speculates that it was all because of her attachment to Rangi, the Fire Nation noble who would become her friend, and later her companion. Kyoshi also had a slew of friends, who she would have to watch die as the time passed.

This could have led her to reevaluate her stance on immortality, eventually letting go of the need, sensing that she is only putting herself through pain by holding on to life. It is also possible that she realized that the power of immortality was not something she needed, given the Avatar spirit effectively renders each Avatar immortal (in a manner of speaking). She could have also decided to not outlive her daughter, and give up immortality to pass on peacefully.

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Most The Last Airbender Fans Don't Know Only 1 Avatar Knew a Secret Immortality Technique She Learned from a ... - FandomWire

The Naruto series had diverse characters, and some dreamt about living forever. Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha are two of these characters. They both tried hard to find ways to achieve immortality using their knowledge and power. However, an Akatsuki member named Hidan already had the answer.

Hidan's immortality came from his devotion to a religion that worships a god named Jashin. This god rewarded Hidan with the ability to live forever as long as he kept made sacrifices. So, why didn't Orochimaru or Madara do what Hidan did? It seems like it would have been an easier path to what they wanted. But when upon taking a closer, it is not that simple.

Disclaimer: This post contains spoilers and reflects the author's personal opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

Even though Hidan's method of immortality is unique, it's also restricted and comes with conditions. It's not about power, talent, or understanding complex jutsu; it is solely about his strict religious practices. Hidan is a devout follower of the deity Jashin, and he performs human sacrifices as a part of his religious rituals to do Jashin's bidding. His actions please Jashin, and in return, Hidan is granted an ability that can be seen as immortality.

In battle, Hidan can endure any devastating attack. He can be decapitated, crushed, or stabbed and yet continue to live. This immunity to fatal injuries comes incredibly handy during fight sequences. However, Hidan is not immune to time or neglect. He ages like everyone else, and his body gets weaker over time.

Additionally, if Hidan fails to feed himself or take care of his basic needs, he can die. His immortality doesn't include resistance to the natural human aging process or protection from neglecting basic human needs like food and water.

While Hidan's way appears to be a relatively effortless method to achieve immortality, it doesn't fit the bill for what Orochimaru and Madara envisioned.

For Madara, immortality was not an end in itself. He had tailored a grand scheme, the Moon's Eye Plan, aimed toward global domination rather than a quest for an endless lifespan. His path to apparent 'immortality' was lined with decisions rooted in precise timings and accumulation of power rather than the simple favor of an alien god.

On the other hand, Orochimaru desired immortality as a path to amass a wealth of abilities and knowledge he could acquire only through gaining control of different bodies.

For him, immortality did not mean a static existence within the confines of a single, aging body, something that Hidan's method necessitated. He wanted the liberty to change bodies and, thus, inherit diverse abilities. In Orochimaru's relentless quest for knowledge, following a religious path akin to Hidan was not an appealing option.

In conclusion, while attaining immortality via Hidan's method might have appeared smoother and easier, it was not in concert with the ambitions and requirements of Orochimaru and Madara. Both desired much more than bare immortality. In Naruto, Orochimaru pursued an endless stream of knowledge and power, while Madara desired complete domination.

The pursuit of immortality was merely a part of their more extensive plans, and they sought it in ways that could align well with their ultimate ambitions. Hidan's method of achieving eternal life, predicated on devout religious indulgence and a constrained existence, didn't cater to their more profound aspirations.

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Naruto: Orochimaru and Madara could have achieved immortality easier if an Akatsuki member helped them - Sportskeeda

Published Apr 8, 2024

Last updated Apr 8, 2024

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly reshaping various aspects of our lives. While some may find the rise of AI unsettling, it undeniably introduces an array of fascinating possibilities. One tech expert, Artur Sychov, was motivated by personal tragedy, leading to the development of a groundbreaking AI tool that addresses a universal human desire.

Artur was devastated when his father was diagnosed with cancer, realizing that a day would come when he could no longer communicate with him. Recognizing the significance of the father-son bond, Artur aspired to find a solution that would allow him and others to have conversations with their deceased loved ones.

Enter Live Forever, a remarkable virtual reality tool, which Artur has spent years developing. This cutting-edge technology employs AI to create digital avatars capable of replicating a persons voice, gestures, and mannerisms. The tool can achieve this incredible feat with just half an hour of observation.

Live Forever aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to interact with deceased loved ones through avatars that will exist online indefinitely. This concept parallels the dystopian world depicted in the Black Mirror episode Be Right Back, where Domhnall Gleesons character returns from the dead as an AI chatbot.

While Artur remains optimistic about the possibilities offered by Live Forever, cyber psychologist Elaine Kasket raises valid concerns about the potential drawbacks. She suggests that the tool may exploit our anxieties surrounding mortality to sell products.

In response to these concerns, Artur highlights the tools capacity to truly capture the essence of a person. You can get to know the person. You can hear their voice You get to talk to them about different topics, and you get to inject a little bit of their personality, he explains. As testing continues, the avatars are expected to become even more precise replicas of their real-life counterparts.

Live Forever is currently in the testing phase, with Arturs company, Somnium Space, leading the trials. Somnium Space is a 3D metaverse platform that allows users to exist as avatars in a virtual world, engaging in a range of activities, including gaming and art creation.

Live Forever is a revolutionary virtual reality tool that utilizes AI technology to create digital avatars that replicate a persons voice, gestures, and mannerisms, allowing individuals to interact with deceased loved ones online.

The tool requires only 30 minutes of observation to gather enough data to create a digital avatar. This technology aims to accurately simulate the personality and likeness of the deceased.

Live Forever was developed by Artur Sychov, a technology entrepreneur, and the CEO of Somnium Space, a company specializing in virtual reality experiences.

Cyber psychologist Elaine Kasket has expressed concerns that the tool may exploit peoples existential fears and anxieties surrounding mortality as a means of selling its products.

Currently, Live Forever is in the testing phase, and Arturs company, Somnium Space, is leading the trials. The official launch date has yet to be announced.

Sources: somniumspace.com

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping various industries, including the virtual reality (VR) sector. The emergence of tools like Live Forever is a testament to the capabilities of AI in creating immersive experiences. With the potential to replicate a persons voice, gestures, and mannerisms, this technology opens up new possibilities for communication and interaction, even with deceased loved ones.

The VR industry is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to Market Research Future, the global virtual reality market is expected to reach a value of $120 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 42.2% during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of VR technology across various sectors, including gaming, entertainment, healthcare, and education.

However, the development of tools like Live Forever also raises important ethical and psychological concerns. Cyber psychologist Elaine Kasket has highlighted the potential exploitation of peoples fears and anxieties surrounding mortality. The fear of death is a deeply-rooted human emotion, and the use of AI to create avatars of deceased loved ones may have unintended consequences, such as manipulating peoples emotions for commercial purposes.

As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure responsible and ethical use of virtual reality tools. Transparency and consent are vital in providing users with control over their personal data and the avatars created in their likeness. Additionally, ongoing research and discussions in the field of cyberpsychology can help understand the psychological impact of interacting with AI-generated avatars.

The development and testing of Live Forever are being conducted by Artur Sychovs company, Somnium Space. Somnium Space is a 3D metaverse platform that allows users to exist as avatars in a virtual world, engaging in various activities such as gaming and art creation. This platform is part of the larger VR industry, which continues to innovate and expand its applications.

For more information about Somnium Space and the development of Live Forever, you can visit their official website at somniumspace.com.

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Revolutionizing Grief: How AI is Redefining the Concept of Immortality - elblog.pl