Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/1/2008

Question
The theory of evolution is still argued about today. But if humans were to be able to regenerate forever so that they would stop aging could sed person live forever?? Do you know how one would be able to advance or alter their genetics in such a way? like as an example like the seasons of heroes could all of those ablilities be possible in humans? please answer my question.

With all the greatest respect and thanks,
A curious kid
(P.S. e-mail me and we can talk about it through e-mails because there are so many questions I want to ask privately)

Answer
Dear Lauren,

The causes of aging are an active area of scientific research, and there is no answer yet about what exactly causes aging, and how it can be slowed or stopped.  Areas of research focus include studies of the shortening of the telomeres (ends of the chromosomes, which shorten as an organism ages), protein damage over time, DNA damage over time, and mitochondrial damage and mutations over time.  There are probably many factors that contribute to aging, and if we could somehow reverse them, humans might be able to live for a longer time, though they might not be immortale.

At the moment, immortality via regeneration of cell structure is in the realm of science fiction, not fact.

Interesting question, but no clear answer is known yet.

Hope this helps.

Dana
P.S. - If you want to ask a question privately, there's a function on the AllExperts site that allows you to make your question private and invisible to others who use this site.  Check it out next time you ask a question.