Originally Posted by adrian

everyone hold your horses, this hasnt been shown to work in humans.

Our 'horses' weren't going anywhere -__-
We know.
It said so in the article.
__________

And this has nothing to do with over population (did you even bother to read the article?). And it certainly isn't useless research. Cheri, I'm pretty sure if (rather, when) you or somebody you care about gets seriously ill one day, you'll rely on some shit people ****ed with. And I'm pretty sure you'll be glad they did.

As mentioned many times in this thread, the main area for implementation would be for cures for age-degenerative diseases, if at all (for now). The first thing that came to mind when I saw this was Alzheimer's. It's incurable, and acts differently based on the individual, so coming up with a cure for it is pretty darn impossible right now. There are several hypotheses on why it's caused, but none proven. So to actually get a lead on a cure for the disease without fully understanding how it works is pretty remarkable.

Besides, this article was just to announce the discovery. There hasn't been any substantial testing as yet (although I think it was mentioned that it may cause cancer), so no predictions can be made based on what we currently know. Because of all the intensive testing required before they can even think about applying their findings to human cells, this research, to our generation, is essentially pointless.

The point of the post was to share what I thought was a really interesting piece of science, and in fact it is. To reverse the aging process/live forever is something man has been searching for for thousands of years (elixir of life anyone?). To finally have something to start on is pretty mind-blowing (but I guess non-science students wouldn't fully appreciate the findings).

I didn't see the need for all the negativity, but then again this is the internet.

I can't believe how negative everyone is about this. I think that this type of research is fascinating!! And it's not just so people can live longer, it's so they can live better as in curing age related diseases such as alzehimer's and MS (shinerama anyone?).

Originally Posted by blenicnl

I can't believe how negative everyone is about this. I think that this type of research is fascinating!! And it's not just so people can live longer, it's so they can live better as in curing age related diseases such as alzehimer's and MS (shinerama anyone?).

Thank you! Glad I`m not the only person who actually thinks that this is positive. This is when gerontology can be useful to actually understand this. I highly recomment it: HtH Age 1BB3.

On topic, research is research. Even if this won`t be implemented in our lifetime, it`s still a stepping stone. And at the very least it`s beyond interesting, just think of all the possibilities!

I know this is a negative outlook on things but I can't see this ever reaching human usage. My reasoning for this is that the research developed at Harvard, and is likely patented. The states seems to be in a downward decline for science, with more and more americans falling victim to governmental/religious scare tactics of cable news. An example of how america's science is regressing is that evolution is being removed from the vast majority of the USA curriculum. Now, I concede Obama is doing a splendid job trying to advance and promote science. He lifted the ban on stem cell research and is set to appear on Mythbusters in an attempt to get America's youth interested in science. However I don't think Obama will be re-elected. People like Glenn Beck succeed in convincing more and more people everyday that their christian president is a socialist muslim terrorist who is out to destroy America. I just can't see him getting re-elected with that going on, and that leaves Palin as the next most likely president, which is a scary thought for the field of science.

Essentially I don't think this research will be allowed to be tested on humans by the time it reaches a point where it can be tested on humans. Which is a shame, since this is some pretty cool science.

Screw that we should put all our research into finding a cure for cancer.

Originally Posted by Commander

Screw that we should put all our research into finding a cure for cancer.

What a horrible idea.

Originally Posted by Commander

If possible, this degeneration process would mostly be used for soldiers.

At first, but like almost everything else that was used in the Military, it would become commercial. People are just too greedy, and they want to capitalize on everything.

Originally Posted by REPLEKIA/.

I know this is a negative outlook on things but I can't see this ever reaching human usage. My reasoning for this is that the research developed at Harvard, and is likely patented. The states seems to be in a downward decline for science, with more and more americans falling victim to governmental/religious scare tactics of cable news. An example of how america's science is regressing is that evolution is being removed from the vast majority of the USA curriculum. Now, I concede Obama is doing a splendid job trying to advance and promote science. He lifted the ban on stem cell research and is set to appear on Mythbusters in an attempt to get America's youth interested in science. However I don't think Obama will be re-elected. People like Glenn Beck succeed in convincing more and more people everyday that their christian president is a socialist muslim terrorist who is out to destroy America. I just can't see him getting re-elected with that going on, and that leaves Palin as the next most likely president, which is a scary thought for the field of science.

Essentially I don't think this research will be allowed to be tested on humans by the time it reaches a point where it can be tested on humans. Which is a shame, since this is some pretty cool science.

Patents should be made illegal, they hinder progress.

Originally Posted by Afzal

Patents should be made illegal, they hinder progress.

I don't think patents should be made illegal. I mean, if you spend $100,000,000 developing a $0.50 pill, you need a patent so you can sell the pill for $50 so you can break even. Without patents we lose any drive for corporations to do research. But in a case like this, where there is no immediate money to be made.. I don't see how patents are reasonable.

Originally Posted by Afzal

Patents should be made illegal, they hinder progress.

then there would be no incentive to invent anything, you cant make any money off it cause someone would just take your idea....right away (lol at the econ 1bb3 concept)

That's just what we need, mice that don't die.

Originally Posted by REPLEKIA/.

I don't think patents should be made illegal. I mean, if you spend $100,000,000 developing a $0.50 pill, you need a patent so you can sell the pill for $50 so you can break even. Without patents we lose any drive for corporations to do research. But in a case like this, where there is no immediate money to be made.. I don't see how patents are reasonable.

Open source ftw. I'm just gonna patent the act of patenting, then we'll see.

Originally Posted by Afzal

Open source ftw. I'm just gonna patent the act of patenting, then we'll see.

I'm not sure you have legal claim to it, but you're free to try. I can't find any documentation that states the patent process is patented, so by all means go ahead and try!

This idea reminds me of how recently A Spanish woman claims legal ownership of the sun for some odd reason. Probably because the idea seems plausible and yet is completely ridiculous at the same time.

Originally Posted by REPLEKIA/.

I'm not sure you have legal claim to it, but you're free to try. I can't find any documentation that states the patent process is patented, so by all means go ahead and try!

This idea reminds me of how recently A Spanish woman claims legal ownership of the sun for some odd reason. Probably because the idea seems plausible and yet is completely ridiculous at the same time.

And then AlGore sued her for global warming HAHAHA..that's what I called "OWNED"

but thanks for confirming, I might just actually try lol, looking at the lolworthy patent office

Originally Posted by Afzal

And then AlGore sued her for global warming HAHAHA..that's what I called "OWNED"

I didn't hear about that bit. You just made my day.