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Why we did not evolve to live forever


Still Waters

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Getting old, it's something that happens to everyone and nearly every species on this planet, but the question is, should it? In a recent publication in the journal Genes & Development titled "Neuronal inhibition of the autophagy nucleation complex extends lifespan in post-reproductive C. elegans," the laboratory of Dr Holger Richly at IMB, has found some of the first genetic evidence that may put this question to rest.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170915144151.htm

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10 minutes ago, Still Waters said:

Getting old, it's something that happens to everyone and nearly every species on this planet, but the question is, should it? In a recent publication in the journal Genes & Development titled "Neuronal inhibition of the autophagy nucleation complex extends lifespan in post-reproductive C. elegans," the laboratory of Dr Holger Richly at IMB, has found some of the first genetic evidence that may put this question to rest.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170915144151.htm

Human beings are the result of 100s of millions of years of evolution where we have evolved to survive a wide range of environmental stresses. Our ancient ancestors had to cope with cold waves, heat waves, famine, drought, toxins, predators, injuries, diseases, volcanic winters blocking out sunlight, increased levels of background radiation, increased UV radiation, etc.

Our bodies detect environmental stresses and upregulate our DNA repair, cell repair, and tissue regeneration in response. We can also turn down our metabolism if needed. Its these evolved responses to environmental stress that extend lifespan in every single organism tested so far. The autophagy and apoptosis mechanisms are some of the detection mechanisms.

Our ancient ancestors may have been more likely to die young from disease, malnutrition and predators. But dont think the comfort zone we have build for ourselves with modern civilization to avoid all stresses (not just the stresses that would have killed us) is good for our lifespans.

Our current lifespans are likely a fraction of our potential lifespans. We need to get ourselves out of avoiding moderate stresses because they make us uncomfortable. Take that icy cold shower, do that workout wearing a jumper, skip fluids on that occasional day, skip food for a few days every now and again, etc.

When our stress survival mechanisms are active they also harden us up so they is a lingering after effect too.

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Wow...that's pretty cool. The repercussions might not be, though. 

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Imagine an eternal pop chart of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears ... Justin Bieber

~

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sharks are a lot older than us, even they do not live longer than they did millions of years ago, why would relatively new species evolve to live forever?

i think evolution itself does not allow it.  old has to go to make room for new, that is what evolution is all about.

Edited by aztek
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On 9/16/2017 at 11:49 AM, third_eye said:

Imagine an eternal pop chart of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears ... Justin Bieber

~

:o:blink:

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On ‎16‎/‎09‎/‎2017 at 4:17 PM, doctor wu said:

I would guess the reason we die is due more to entropy....a universal physics fact.

:unsure:

Have you ever wondered why having a baby ages a woman?

Could it be the youngster off-loading its entropy to the mother?

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49 minutes ago, RabidMongoose said:

Have you ever wondered why having a baby ages a woman?

Could it be the youngster off-loading its entropy to the mother?

How exactly does it 'age' a woman..? I assume you mean in a subjective manner since time isn't actually altered in relation to ones physical biology.

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