This was posted on the freenrg list by David Callaghan and I thought it
would be interesting here;
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Hi All
I think cell division fails because telomeres (the ends of the
chromosomes) 'wear' with each cell division. This is why it is
difficult to clone from adult cells. But they have found a way to
repair the telomeres (see the 'Dolly' and other experiments).
Cancer cells produce very good copies of themselves and do not age like
conventional cells. We can also already initiate cell growth using a
gene found only in foetal cells called for some reason the 'Hedgehog
Gene'. With this we can regenerate entire organs.
For instance, a woman that lost part of her upper leg had it 're-grown'
in-situ using the hedgehog gene. The 'Hedgehog Gene' initiates growth
like in a foetus, with the correct type of cell growing in the correct
place. We should be able to place this gene into the brain to grow new
neurons. Neuron injection experiments are already showing success in
helping brain damage victims.
The knowledge to produce an indefinite human' already exists. The
problem remains in getting the gene change/repair mechanism into every
cell for an 'existing human'. We have already modified the life span of
simpler creatures (foetal DNA manipulation) up to 500% without too much
trouble.
When we know as much about the human genome as we do these simpler
creatures, I have no doubt we will be able to do this and more. Ethical
'reasons' will probably slow this science to a crawl though.
-- Jerry Wayne Decker / jdecker@keelynet.com http://keelynet.com / "From an Art to a Science" Voice : (214) 324-8741 / FAX : (214) 324-3501 KeelyNet - PO BOX 870716 - Mesquite - Republic of Texas - 75187