Lattima

Interesting... However if the threat of cancer could be counteracted, one could use a viral vector to distribute the telomere-rejuvenating gene(s) from the Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish or from the hydra protozoan. As long as apoptosis continues, there shouldn't be too much of a problem concerning tumorous growths, should there? Thanks for your input!

Hello all, I've been thinking: Would it be possible to make a human immortal by cancelling/modifying genes? As far as I know, it's possible in theory but would be absurdly difficult in practice. Could anyone confirm this?

I'm not saying it's simple, of course, just speaking theoretically... I suppose the only way to be absolutely sure would be through experimentation...

However, if the cancer could theoretically be cured, then there would be no problem, right? I think a similar genetic transfer from the naked molerat (which is practically immune to cancer) could solve that problem... Thanks for the feedback though!

Does anyone know if the hydra's immortality is due to telomere regeneration, and if so, which genes would be responsible for that? If it's not obvious enough already, my idea is to use a viral vector to transmit the gene to a test animal to make it biologically immortal, then try to make a human (myself) immortal. Cheers, Lattima

I believe that there is a species of tropical fish whose brain naturally makes an effective anti-carcinogen, however, its name eludes me...