Re: Nanotech & "Transhumanism"

sanman wrote:
> And in my opinion, replacement or
> replenishment of genetic material is fundamental to extending the
> lifespand of flesh-and-blood creatures. Because we know that not only
> is flesh eroded by environmental factors, but also the integrity of
> its genetic information is degraded over time by the very act of
> genetic replication (ie. a photocopy of a photocopy of a photocopy of
> a photocopy looks fuzzy compared to the original)

Germline cells are the result of lots and lots of genetic replication,
but the next generation absolutely depends on their being accurate.  

It's possible, of course, that more energy is spent in germline cells to
correct DNA copying errors, and non-germline cells are more susceptible
to copying errors.  But this implies that this cellular machinery could
be turned up in other cells, saving them from further damage.  And
anyway I don't think it's correct.  Feel free to disprove me with a
reference.

Aubrey de Grey has done a lot of study of aging, and has found only
seven causes.  http://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/sens/  I don't think any of them
involve fuzzy copying.  Some of them involve genetic damage, of course,
and telomeres are mentioned, but I don't think either of these is what
you were referring to.

Chris

--
Chris Phoenix                                  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Director of Research
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology          http://CRNano.org