Ageing Debate
Ageing Debate
Be it resolved, ageing is a reversible disease.
Oxygen therapy to lengthen our telomeres and prolong the life of our chromosomes. Boosting the functioning of our mitochondria with NAD. Stem cell rejuvenation. These are just some of the exciting therapies that scientists are exploring in their quest to prevent the decline and suffering we experience as we age. But some scientists argue that these are just partial fixes and that the answer to the eternal quest for the fountain of youth lies in pinpointing the upstream driver of these hallmarks of aging. They claim that thanks to breakthroughs in the science of genetics they have finally discovered the control system that generates the strength and health we associate with youth. It’s the “epigenome”, which is the packaging that coils around our DNA and switches on and off the genes that shape the identity of our cells. They say that as we age this packaging unravels, which deregulates the DNA and cell information they have been safeguarding. Fix the packaging and we can completely reset our DNA and cells and regenerate our bodies, so they are once again like brand new. Sceptics say that we need to look no farther than evolution to recognize that while aging can be slowed down it can’t be abolished. Despite the formidable powers of natural selection, a species that doesn’t age and die has not emerged. This is because aging is marked not just by cells that are slowing down but also by cells that are rapidly multiplying and becoming cancerous. It is impossible to fix one without the other benefiting, a form of intercell competition where human beings and our hopes of eradicating old age are the losers.
Speakers
Pro
Con
You may also like
February 7, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with John Mearsheimer
February 12, 2024
– Listen
UNRWA Debate
February 22, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Sarah Paine
February 27, 2024
– Listen
Joe Biden Debate
March 6, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Gilead Sher
March 13, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Rose Gottemoeller
March 19, 2024
– Listen
Donald Trump Debate
March 28, 2024
– Listen
Bidenomics Debate
April 3, 2024
– Listen
TikTok Debate
April 9, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Dr. Richard Haass
April 15, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Gregg Carlstrom
June 17, 2024
