THE LONGEVITY
LIFESTYLE
· The continuing
role of grandmothers
A study by a team from Utah University, USA, has revealed a new clue to longevity which lies in the family structure of people still living in rural tribes. Even when they are too old to bear more children of their own, tribal woman continue to gather food to feed their grandchildren. By doing this, these grandmothers increase their grandchildren’s long term chances of survival, and thus secure their own genes, transmission and promote longer life spans in the human species.
· Restricted lifestyle could
extend life span by 20 years
Research shows that fruit files and rats whose calorie intake is reduced by 30% lead a 30% longer life, as well as being moderate drinking reduces the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease by 35% and from cancer by 20 %. Drinking three glasses of wine a day reduces the risk of death from all causes by to 30%.
MADICENE
· When the nematode
worm starves it lives longer
By examining worms, Gary Ruvkin of Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, has identified a gene which could well be central to the ageing process. DAF-2 regulates glucose in the nematode worm and seems to be the equivalent of the human insulin receptor gene. When the worm goes short of food it lapses into a state of suspended animation and extends its 14-day life span to two months. If scientists can discover how the DAF-2 gene makes cells burn glucose more efficiently, an anti ageing drug could be manufactured.
· Drugs developed to
stop the ageing process
The human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the most expensive anti aging hormone available. Until recently, it had to be extracted from human corpses. Advocates of HGH claim it increases bone density, promotes mental alertness, and helps the development of youthful tissue.
AFTERLIFE
· Space funerals may
let you live on forever
Thanks to the Celestis Earthview Commemorative Spaceflight Service Inc. it is now possible to have some of your ashes sent into space. A fee of $5,000 buys one a place on board a satellite launcher, plus a mini obituary on the Celestis web site. Other internet services include Perpetual Memorials, which promises a full-length on-line obituary, complete with photographs, video clips and taped eulogies from loved ones.
· Astronomer to be given
special Moon burial
NASA plans to send the ashes of astronomer Eugene Shoemaker, discoverer of the Shoemaker-Levy comet, to the moon in 1998. Shoemaker died in a car accident in July 1997. However, the American Navajo Nation organization, which represents native American Navajos, has raised an objection to the pan because the moon is still a sacred object in Navajo culture.
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