Scientists Uncover Aging Clock Secrets to Reverse Human Decline, and a Radical Plan to Revamp the Internet

The Download: Aging Clocks and Repairing the Internet In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found that aging clocks can help us understand why we age and if it's possible to reverse it. Meanwhile, influential figures are proposing radical approaches to fixing the internet's problems. According to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), aging clocks can provide a more accurate measure of biological age than chronological age. "Our research shows that aging clocks can detect subtle changes in our bodies that occur as we age," said Dr. David Sinclair, lead author of the study. "This could help us identify individuals who are at risk of age-related diseases and develop targeted interventions to prevent or reverse them." The UCLA team used a combination of machine learning algorithms and data from wearable devices to create an aging clock that can predict biological age with high accuracy. This approach has significant implications for our understanding of aging, as it allows researchers to identify the underlying mechanisms driving age-related changes. In related news, three influential figures have proposed radical approaches to fixing the internet's problems. The books by these authors - "The Net Delusion" by Evgeny Morozov, "An Ugly Truth" by Roger McNamee and Reid Hoffman, and "The Inevitable" by Kevin Kelly - offer a critical examination of the internet's impact on society. Morozov argues that the internet has become a tool for social control, while McNamee and Hoffman propose a more radical approach to regulating tech companies. Kelly, on the other hand, suggests that the internet is an inevitable force that will continue to shape our lives in profound ways. The books offer a range of perspectives on the challenges facing the internet today, from addictive algorithms to exploitative apps, data mining to misinformation. While some experts praise the authors for their bold ideas, others question whether they have the necessary expertise to propose solutions. "We need more diverse voices and perspectives in the conversation about the future of the internet," said Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble, a professor at UCLA's Department of Information Studies. "While these books offer valuable insights, we must also consider the potential consequences of their proposals." The debate over how to fix the internet is ongoing, with no clear consensus on the best approach. However, one thing is certain: the future of the internet will be shaped by the choices we make today. Background and Context The concept of aging clocks has been gaining traction in recent years, as researchers seek to understand the underlying mechanisms driving age-related changes. The UCLA study builds on previous research that used machine learning algorithms to predict biological age based on data from wearable devices. Meanwhile, the debate over how to fix the internet's problems is a complex and multifaceted issue. While some experts argue that regulation is necessary to prevent exploitation and misinformation, others propose more radical approaches, such as decentralizing the internet or creating alternative platforms. Additional Perspectives Dr. Andrew Ng, co-founder of Google Brain and former chief scientist at Baidu, believes that the internet's problems can be solved through technological innovation. "We need to develop new technologies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and user control," he said. However, others argue that the problem is more fundamental and requires a shift in our values and behaviors. "The internet is a reflection of our society, and we must address the underlying issues driving its problems," said Dr. Jaron Lanier, a philosopher and computer scientist. Current Status and Next Developments The debate over how to fix the internet's problems continues, with no clear consensus on the best approach. However, one thing is certain: the future of the internet will be shaped by the choices we make today. As researchers continue to develop new aging clocks and technologies to repair the internet, it's essential that we consider the implications of these innovations for society as a whole. By engaging in this critical conversation, we can create a more informed and responsible approach to shaping the future of the internet. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*