The Science and Technology of Growing Young

Introduction

Imagine living for 200 years or turning back the clock so your body functions like it's 25 again. While this may sound like science fiction, it's becoming scientifically plausible thanks to rapid advancements in science and technology over recent decades. In "The Science and Technology of Growing Young," Sergey Young explores the fascinating world of longevity research and the technological innovations fueling a healthcare revolution that will affect us all.

This book takes readers on a journey through cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, precision medicine, and more - all aimed at extending the human lifespan and improving our health as we age. Young not only examines futuristic technologies on the horizon but also provides practical advice on steps we can take right now to live longer, healthier lives.

As we dive into the key ideas from this thought-provoking book, prepare to have your assumptions challenged about what's possible for human longevity. The Longevity Revolution has already begun, and understanding its potential impact could change how you think about your own health and future.

The Longevity Revolution is Here

For most of human history, people could only expect to live to around 30 years old if they were lucky. In recent decades, that number has increased dramatically to about 75 years on average. This leap forward is thanks to advances in areas like:

• Agriculture and nutrition
• Antibiotics and other medical treatments
• Improved healthcare, especially for mothers and babies

While an extra 45 years of life expectancy is impressive, it's just the beginning according to Young. He believes that in the near future, people may be able to live 115, 150, or even 200 years.

If this seems unbelievable, consider how quickly science and medicine have progressed:

• It took 200 years to develop the first smallpox vaccine
• The polio vaccine took 50 years to create after the disease emerged
• COVID-19 vaccines were developed in just one year, saving millions of lives

The pace of innovation is accelerating rapidly. Breakthroughs like the Human Genome Project, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are fueling inventions that seemed impossible not long ago. Young argues that people will not only live longer chronologically but also become biologically younger.

While skepticism about such claims is natural, the Longevity Revolution is already underway and will likely transform healthcare and human lifespans within our lifetimes. Understanding these developments is crucial as they will impact all of us in the coming years and decades.

Revolutionizing Disease Diagnosis

One of the major challenges in healthcare today is what Young calls the "diagnostic crisis." Health systems worldwide are overburdened, and even the best doctors have limited time with patients. In many areas, especially rural and under-resourced regions, people have no access to doctors at all. This leads to widespread undiagnosed conditions - for example:

• Over 100 million people have undiagnosed thyroid conditions globally
• 232 million people live with undiscovered diabetes

Currently, medicine tends to be reactive rather than proactive. Doctors often focus on treating existing illnesses instead of preventing them in the first place. However, advances in diagnostic technology are poised to change this paradigm.

Many people are already benefiting from innovations in health tracking, like Fitbits and Apple Watches that monitor steps, heart rate, and other metrics. Beyond these consumer devices, a range of startups are developing more sophisticated diagnostic tools that are affordable, portable, and user-friendly. Some examples include:

• The Cerebrotech Visor: A cap-like device that uses radio waves to detect strokes with 93% accuracy
• Owlstone's diagnostic mask: Analyzes breath in real-time to detect various health issues
• Implantable glucose monitors: Have already improved life for millions with diabetes

These devices and others like them feed data into vast databases, creating an "Internet of Bodies." Machine learning algorithms can then compare an individual's data to millions of other people globally, factoring in the latest scientific findings, family history, microbiome, and lifestyle choices. The result is a much more accurate and personalized health assessment.

Companies like 23andMe have also made it easier and more affordable for people to access their genetic information, providing a fuller picture of their health needs and risks. All of this data allows for earlier detection of diseases and health issues, potentially catching problems before they become serious.

Most importantly, these AI-powered systems will be able to recommend personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique situation. This approach, known as precision medicine, has the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes and save countless lives.

The Promise of Precision Medicine

Precision medicine represents a significant shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. By leveraging artificial intelligence and big data, doctors can now develop highly personalized treatment plans based on a patient's unique medical history, lifestyle, and genetic makeup.

A powerful example of precision medicine in action is the case of Teresa McKeown. Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer that had spread to her bowels, Teresa had undergone grueling chemotherapy without success and was preparing for death. As a last resort, she entered an experimental program at the Moores Cancer Center.

There, doctors used AI to sequence and analyze the DNA in Teresa's cancer cells. They then searched a database of all available cancer drugs to find the most effective option for her specific case. Surprisingly, the AI recommended an experimental immunotherapy drug called Opdivo, typically used for skin, kidney, and lung cancers - not breast cancer.

The results were astonishing. After just four months of treatment with Opdivo, Teresa's cancer went into complete remission. This case highlights the potential of precision medicine to find unexpected solutions tailored to individual patients.

The power of precision medicine lies in its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data. Consider these challenges faced by traditional medicine:

1. Doctors have limited time with patients and varying levels of expertise.
2. Even the best doctors are human and can make mistakes or have off days.
3. The sheer volume of new medical research (about one million peer-reviewed studies annually) makes it impossible for any individual to stay fully up-to-date.
4. New drugs are constantly entering the market.

AI-powered precision medicine addresses these issues by:

1. Scanning hundreds of millions of documents and studies.
2. Comparing that information to a patient's health diagnostics and genome sequence.
3. Providing accurate, individualized diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

This approach has already been used to create tailor-made drugs for specific patients. It also has significant preventive potential, as it can identify hereditary disorders or vulnerabilities and suggest lifestyle changes or medications to mitigate risks before they develop into serious health issues.

It's important to note that precision medicine and AI won't replace doctors. Instead, these tools will empower medical professionals to do their jobs more effectively and provide truly personalized care to each patient.

As precision medicine continues to evolve and become more widely adopted, it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by:

1. Improving treatment outcomes
2. Reducing adverse drug reactions
3. Minimizing unnecessary treatments
4. Catching diseases earlier or preventing them entirely
5. Lowering healthcare costs in the long run

The future of medicine is personalized, data-driven, and powered by artificial intelligence. Precision medicine represents a paradigm shift that could dramatically extend and improve the quality of human life.

Genetic Engineering: Eliminating Diseases at Their Source

One of the most exciting frontiers in medical science is genetic engineering. The ability to alter and reprogram our genes, much like upgrading software on a computer, opens up incredible possibilities for treating and even eliminating diseases once thought incurable.

Scientists and doctors already have technologies to alter our DNA, potentially controlling or eliminating illnesses like cancer and viruses like HIV. One powerful example of this is the treatment of sickle cell anemia:

• Sickle cell anemia causes the production of abnormal red blood cells that can't carry enough oxygen.
• Patients suffer from chronic pain and fatigue, with a life expectancy of only 54 years.
• Doctors can now alter the genes that cause this condition, offering hope for a cure.

The key to many genetic engineering breakthroughs is a special protein called Cas9. This protein is naturally found in bacteria and helps them fight off viruses by "snipping" out the viral DNA from infected cells. Nobel Prize-winning scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier discovered that Cas9 could be "programmed" to target specific genetic sequences.

This discovery, known as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, has led to remarkable advances in treating various genetic conditions:

• Sickle cell anemia
• Some forms of muscular dystrophy
• Certain heart diseases
• Even the ability to remove HIV from infected cells

Another promising form of gene therapy involves inserting new, healthy cells into the body rather than removing problematic genes. This approach has shown success in treating conditions like:

• Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID): A condition where bodies don't produce the T-cells needed to fight infections.
• CAR T-cell therapy: A treatment that modifies T-cells to better hunt down and eliminate cancer cells, showing impressive results in curing pediatric leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

While these gene therapies are currently extremely expensive (treating SCID can cost close to a million dollars), prices are expected to drop as the technology develops and becomes more widely used. Young believes it's likely that diseases like cancer could be completely eliminated within our lifetimes thanks to these advancements.

The potential of genetic engineering extends beyond just fighting diseases. Researchers are also exploring ways to use these technologies to enhance human capabilities and potentially extend lifespan. Some areas of study include:

1. Enhancing cognitive functions
2. Improving physical attributes like strength and endurance
3. Slowing down or reversing the aging process at a cellular level

However, these possibilities also raise ethical concerns about creating "designer babies" or exacerbating existing social inequalities. As genetic engineering technologies continue to advance, society will need to grapple with these ethical implications and establish guidelines for their use.

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of genetic engineering in eliminating diseases and improving human health are enormous. As these technologies become more refined and accessible, they will likely play a crucial role in the Longevity Revolution, helping people live longer, healthier lives.

The Rise of Bionic Humans

Science fiction has long explored the idea of merging human biology with artificial parts, often with a mix of fascination and anxiety. However, the line between natural and artificial in our bodies is already blurring, and this trend is set to accelerate in the coming years.

We're already familiar with prosthetic parts like knee and hip replacements. But the future of bionics goes far beyond these relatively simple interventions. Young predicts that we will all become "bionic" to some degree, upgrading our bodies with artificial parts to enhance function and longevity.

One major area of development is organ replacement. Currently, organ transplantation faces numerous challenges:

• In the US, over 113,000 people are on waiting lists for organ transplants.
• The number of donors is far smaller than the need.
• Compatibility issues (like blood type) further limit available organs.
• Logistics of harvesting and transporting organs are complex, and organs often get damaged.
• Even successful transplants usually require lifelong immunosuppressant drugs.

To address these issues, researchers are developing innovative solutions:

1. LyGenesis: This company has developed technology to grow mini livers inside a patient's body, attached to lymph nodes. These can take over if the original liver fails.

2. Stratagraft: They've created lab-grown skin to help burn victims whose skin is too damaged to regenerate naturally.

3. 3D-printed corneas: Engineers at Newcastle University have created artificial corneas using bio-ink containing stem cells and proteins, potentially restoring sight to those with corneal damage.

4. Electronic retinal implants: A company called Second Sight has developed a way to restore some vision to those with total sight loss by creating an electronic connection between the retina and the brain.

These advancements are just the beginning. As technology progresses, we may see:

• Artificial organs that function better than natural ones
• Bionic limbs with enhanced strength and dexterity
• Neural implants to boost cognitive function or treat neurological disorders
• Nanobots that can repair damage at the cellular level

The integration of technology into our bodies raises important questions about what it means to be human. As we become more "bionic," we'll need to reconsider our definitions of natural and artificial, and grapple with the ethical implications of human enhancement.

However, these technologies also offer immense potential to improve quality of life, overcome disabilities, and extend human longevity. As Young suggests, becoming bionic may be a key part of the Longevity Revolution, allowing us to live longer, healthier lives by supplementing and enhancing our natural biology with cutting-edge technology.

The Quest for Digital Immortality

As we push the boundaries of extending human life, some researchers are exploring even more radical ideas about preserving human consciousness beyond the limitations of our physical bodies. This concept, often referred to as "digital immortality," raises fascinating possibilities and troubling ethical questions.

Young discusses a poignant example that illustrates the potential and complexity of this field:

• A viral YouTube video shows a young girl playing in a park and celebrating her 7th birthday with her mother.
• The girl comforts her tearful mother, saying she's not sick anymore.
• However, the child in the video is actually a digital recreation of a real girl who died at age seven from a terminal illness.
• The recreation was made while she was still alive, using 3D scanning to capture her physical likeness and interviews to capture her voice, personality, and mannerisms.
• A company called Vive Studios created this virtual reality version so the mother could interact with a hologram of her daughter when missing her.

This technology blurs the line between the real and the artificial, raising questions about the nature of identity and consciousness. If an avatar looks, sounds, and behaves just like the real person, could it be considered an extension of that person?

Some researchers are taking this concept even further. Anders Sandberg at the Oxford Future of Humanity Institute is working on "whole brain emulation." This technique aims to:

1. Use AI to identify and map the neural impulses in a person's brain
2. Emulate these patterns to create a digital copy of the brain
3. This digital brain would theoretically think, act, and feel just like the original person

The implications of such technology are profound:

• The digital brain could be implanted in an avatar of choice, potentially allowing a form of existence after physical death.
• This avatar could be upgraded periodically, like updating software.
• The avatar could be an exact physical clone of the original person.

However, this futuristic scenario raises numerous ethical and philosophical questions:

1. Would the digital copy truly be the same person, or just a very sophisticated simulation?
2. Who would be responsible for the actions of a digital avatar? Could it commit crimes?
3. Could digital avatars fall in love, have relationships, or have children?
4. What rights would these digital beings have in society?
5. Could this technology be misused to create copies of people without their consent?

While true digital immortality may still be far off, these questions are becoming increasingly relevant as technology advances. Virtual and augmented reality, AI, and brain-computer interfaces are all progressing rapidly, bringing us closer to a world where the line between physical and digital existence is increasingly blurred.

As we continue to push the boundaries of human longevity, it's crucial to consider not just how long we can live, but what forms that extended existence might take. The concept of digital immortality challenges our fundamental ideas about life, death, and what it means to be human.

While these technologies offer the tantalizing possibility of extending human consciousness indefinitely, they also require careful ethical consideration and regulation to ensure they are developed and used responsibly. As we move forward into this uncharted territory, it will be essential to balance the potential benefits with the profound ethical implications of creating digital versions of ourselves.

Addressing Concerns About Extended Longevity

As exciting as the prospect of dramatically extended human lifespans may be, it also raises significant concerns. Young addresses two major objections to life extension: environmental impact and ethical problems.

Environmental Concerns

One common worry is that extending human lifespans will put an unbearable strain on the planet's resources. After all, Earth is already struggling to support the current population. How could it possibly handle people living for centuries?

Young draws a parallel to the concerns raised by economist Thomas Robert Malthus in 1798. Malthus predicted widespread famine due to population growth outpacing agricultural production. However, his predictions didn't account for technological advancements that revolutionized farming.

Similarly, we can't accurately predict the state of the world by the time 200-year lifespans become possible. Young suggests several potential developments that could mitigate environmental concerns:

1. Lab-grown meat could eliminate the need for environmentally destructive animal farming.
2. Advances in renewable energy could solve many current environmental issues.
3. Space exploration and off-world colonization might provide new resources and living space.
4. Technological breakthroughs we can't yet imagine could transform how we interact with our environment.

The key point is that we shouldn't assume current problems will persist unchanged into the future. Just as Malthus couldn't foresee modern agriculture, we can't predict all the innovations that might address environmental concerns in a world of extended longevity.

Ethical Concerns

Another set of objections revolves around the potential for life extension technologies to exacerbate existing inequalities or be misused by bad actors. Some fear scenarios like:

• Dictators extending their lives and hold on power indefinitely
• Only the wealthy being able to afford life extension, creating two classes of humans
• Immortal individuals accumulating excessive wealth and power over time

These concerns are grounded in real issues we face today. However, Young argues that we shouldn't assume current problems will necessarily persist or worsen. In fact, some longevity technologies might help democratize healthcare:

1. DIY diagnostics and AI doctors could make basic healthcare more accessible to millions who currently lack access to hospitals or clinics.
2. As life extension technologies develop, they're likely to become more affordable over time, similar to how computers and smartphones have become widely accessible.
3. Longer lifespans might lead to different perspectives on wealth accumulation and power dynamics.

Young emphasizes that the solution isn't to halt innovation, but to work towards ensuring that the benefits of longevity research are shared equitably. This might involve:

1. International cooperation on longevity research and its applications
2. Developing ethical frameworks for the use of life extension technologies
3. Focusing on making these technologies widely accessible rather than exclusive
4. Considering new social and economic models that account for dramatically extended lifespans

While the concerns about extended longevity are valid and important to address, Young argues that they shouldn't prevent us from pursuing this potentially transformative research. Instead, we should work proactively to shape a future where the benefits of increased longevity can be enjoyed by all, while mitigating potential negative consequences.

Taking Control of Your Longevity Now

While many of the technologies discussed in the book are still in development, Young emphasizes that there's a lot we can do right now to increase our chances of living longer, healthier lives. The goal is to stay healthy long enough to benefit from future longevity breakthroughs. Here are key strategies Young recommends:

Regular Health Check-ups

1. Get regular screenings for various cancers:
   • Men over 40 should be screened for pancreatic cancer
   • Women should have regular breast and cervical cancer checks
2. Have regular blood work done
3. Get thyroid health checks
4. Utilize DIY diagnostic tools on smartphones or wearable devices

Early detection is crucial for many health issues, especially cancer. Catching problems early often makes them much more treatable.

Healthy Diet

Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet high in:

• Vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Whole grains

This diet has been proven to:

• Boost overall health
• Reduce cancer risk
• Lower diabetes risk
• Decrease risk of dying from heart attacks

Avoid or limit:

• Red meat
• Processed foods
• Sugar
• Excessive animal products

A Spanish study of 20,000 people found that those with poor diets had an 18% greater risk of death.

Avoid Harmful Substances

Steer clear of common vices that significantly impact health:

• Quit smoking or never start (tobacco accounts for half a million deaths annually in the US)
• Limit alcohol consumption

Regular Exercise

Even moderate exercise can have a big impact:

• 15-20 minutes of moderate exercise daily can reduce your risk of dying by about 35%
• A daily brisk walk provides enormous health benefits

Mental Health

Don't neglect your mental wellbeing:

• Ensure you get enough sleep (at least 7 hours nightly)
• Practice meditation or mindfulness
• Spend quality time with loved ones

Good mental health is just as crucial for longevity as physical health.

Practical Tips

1. Schedule your next health check-up if you're overdue
2. Start incorporating more Mediterranean diet elements into your meals
3. Set a goal for daily walking or other exercise
4. Establish a consistent sleep schedule
5. Try a meditation app or practice for stress reduction

Young emphasizes that these lifestyle choices are within our control and can significantly impact our health and longevity. By taking these steps now, we increase our chances of benefiting from future longevity technologies as they become available.

Conclusion

"The Science and Technology of Growing Young" presents a compelling vision of a future where human lifespans could extend to 200 years or beyond. Sergey Young takes readers on a journey through cutting-edge developments in longevity research, from AI-powered diagnostics and precision medicine to genetic engineering and bionic body parts.

The key takeaways from the book include:

1. The Longevity Revolution is already underway, fueled by rapid advancements in science and technology.
2. AI and big data are transforming how we diagnose and treat diseases, enabling truly personalized medicine.
3. Genetic engineering holds the promise of eliminating many diseases at their source.
4. We're likely to become increasingly "bionic," with artificial body parts enhancing our natural biology.
5. While technologies for radical life extension are still developing, there's much we can do now to improve our health and longevity.

Young acknowledges the challenges and ethical questions raised by these developments but remains optimistic about their potential to improve human lives. He argues that concerns about overpopulation or inequality shouldn't halt progress, but rather inspire us to find innovative solutions and ensure the benefits are shared widely.

The book serves as both a glimpse into a possible future and a call to action. Young encourages readers to take control of their health now, adopting lifestyle changes that can increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives. By doing so, we may position ourselves to benefit from future longevity breakthroughs as they emerge.

Ultimately, "The Science and Technology of Growing Young" challenges us to reimagine what's possible for human lifespan and health. It presents a future where age-related diseases could become a thing of the past, and where living to 200 might be not just possible, but common. While this future may seem like science fiction, Young makes a compelling case that it's closer to reality than we might think.

As we stand on the brink of this Longevity Revolution, the book invites us to consider not just how long we might live, but how we want to live in a world of extended lifespans. It prompts us to think about the kind of society we want to create, the ethical frameworks we'll need, and how we might redefine concepts of age, work, and purpose in a world where centenarians are the norm rather than the exception.

Whether this vision of the future excites or unnerves you, Young's book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the science that could reshape human longevity. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cutting edge of health and longevity research, and offers practical advice for those looking to take charge of their own health and lifespan. As we move into this new era of human potential, "The Science and Technology of Growing Young" provides a roadmap for navigating the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.