The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: searching for the elixir of life
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Dec 22, 2023 Clement Clark Moore, the author of the beloved Christmas poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' dives into intriguing topics. He discusses scientific advances in aging and the societal implications of potentially extending human life. The conversation touches on how these advancements could disrupt economies and intergenerational relationships. Moore also reflects on his iconic poem's origins and its significant influence on Christmas traditions in America, tying the past to contemporary holiday celebrations.
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Aging and Natural Selection
- Aging is a biological process shaped by natural selection, prioritizing reproduction.
- Diseases often manifest after peak reproductive age due to decreased selective pressure.
Life's Trade-off
- Organisms prioritize reproduction over longevity; humans peak in their early 20s.
- After reproduction, selective pressure decreases, leading to a decline in repair processes.
Self-Repair and Aging
- Unlike machines, biological bodies can self-repair, but it's costly.
- As we age, repair processes slow down, and inflammation, a repair process, can go awry.
