Jerry W. Decker wrote:
>
> Hi Folks!
>
> This was posted on the freenrg list by David Callaghan and I thought it
> would be interesting here;
> =========================
> 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
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