According to scientists, human life has a certain limit. So, the authors of a study published in the journal Nature, using mathematical modeling predictedthat at the age of 120–150 years, our body completely loses the ability to recover from illnesses and injuries, which means that it will not survive even the simplest SARS.
However, these calculations estimate the current capabilities of the organism. If we learn how to modify it, such as turning certain genes on or off, there is a chance that we can slow down aging process and last longer.
Today, huge amounts of money are being invested in such research, and they are interested the smartest and luckiest people on the planet – for example, Elon Musk or Google co-founder Sergey Brin. So there is a chance for success.
The New York Times experts analyzed scientific, medical and social developments, which in the near future may push the limit of the average human life for many years ahead.
What might happen in the next 5 years
From life-extending supplements to cancer shots.
Wearing masks as the new social norm
In the first year of the pandemic, experts found that influenza had virtually disappeared from medical records. It is assumed that one of the key reasons why the 2020-2021 epidemic season did not take place is the common practice of wearing masks in public places.
Experts expectIn the winter of 2021-2022, the flu may return, as quarantine restrictions have been significantly relaxed or completely lifted in many countries. But if the habit of wearing medical masks and maintaining social distancing for symptoms of colds continues, in the US alone this could save up to 60,000 lives a year.
Accurate information about genetic markers of longevity
Researchers actively are engaged deciphering and analyzing the genome of people who live 110 years or more. If scientists understand the causes of longevity, then perhaps they will learn how to turn on and off the genes responsible for super long life.
Life Extension Supplements
One contender for this role is a compound called alpha-ketoglutarate. It is already known that his increases life expectancy of female mice, and rodents of both sexes allows them to maintain good health longer. Scientists are now investigating how alpha-ketoglutarate affects markers of aging in humans.
Another potential “health pill” is micropeptides. In experiments, these tiny proteins are significantly improve physical form and prolong life in the same mice. These drugs are currently being tested in humans and may be approved within the next few years.
Medications for weight loss
Obesity is capable reduce life expectancy of 5–20 years. But drugs that will allow you to quickly reduce weight may soon be approved. For example, one drug that is currently in clinical trials has shown to be quite effective: in 68 weeks, volunteers lost up to 15% of body weight.
Cancer shots
Vaccines based on mRNA technology are being developed and will likely soon be available and have proven effective in preventing complications of COVID‑19. Such vaccines are expected to be used to treat melanomas, colorectal, prostate, breast and many other cancers.
What is likely to appear in 5-10 years
From the ability to edit the genome to the procedure of “rejuvenation” of blood.
Widespread introduction of school education
It sounds a little paradoxical, but the level of education directly tied with longevity. In this regard, the UN promises by 2030, ensure that all children in the world can complete at least primary and secondary school.
Built-in breathalyzers in every car
IN THE USA discussed a bill that would require automakers to install breath analyzers in cars to block the engine from starting until the driver “breathes into a straw.”
Of course, such alcohol locks do not improve health. But in a global sense, they will increase life expectancy by preventing thousands of annual deaths due to road accidents.
CRISPR genome editing
CRISPR is the latest biotechnology that allows scientists to edit human DNA to stop the development of serious pathologies, such as blood diseases, cancer, hereditary blindness, cardiovascular disorders. CRISPR has been actively studied for several years, and, perhaps, after a while, the procedure for correcting the genome and turning off disease-causing genes will become commonplace.
Brain stimulation to fight overeating
scientists already discovered part of the brain that causes people to overeat. Perhaps by installing tiny implants in the brain tissue, it will be possible to regulate an unhealthy appetite and thus stop the global epidemic of obesity.
“Rejuvenation” of blood
During this procedure, certain components are added to the blood plasma. They make the body think that it has returned to adolescence. Accordingly, the aging process either stops or even rolls back.
This is, of course, an optimistic theory, but it finds confirmation in experiments on elderly mice. Human studies are just around the corner.
Personalized medicines to correct the microbiome
The population of bacteria in the human intestine affects the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. In addition, it is closely related to age. In the coming years expectedthat doctors will learn to individually regulate the microbiome in each person and prolong life.
What is expected in 10-20 years or more
So far prospective research is in its infancy.
“Designer Genes”
This is a serious intervention in the genome, which will allow stopping many age-related diseases and, on the contrary, launching an active renewal of organs and tissues.
Stopping the epigenetic clock
So called an attempt to fix the biological age of a person at one mark, or even completely reverse it.
Ridding the body of aging cells
For these purposes are being developed special drugs – senolytics. They will have to recognize and destroy dying cells in order to slow down aging.
Growing new organs in the laboratory
One of the most promising biotechnologies. Artificially created organs are supposed to be implanted to replace obsolete natural ones.
The use of nanorobots
Tiny machines will be able to sew up wounds, remove tumors and repair damaged tissue with perfect precision.