Putin's Immortality Claim: Experts Blast Organ Transplant "Cure" for Aging

Longevity Myths Debunked: Putin's Claim of Immortality Through Organ Transplants Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked controversy this week when he suggested that organ transplants could grant immortality. However, experts say this notion is far-fetched and oversimplifies the complexities of aging. According to a video obtained by The Download, Putin discussed the concept with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting between the two leaders. "With the developments of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality," Putin was quoted as saying. However, Jessica Hamzelou, a senior editor at MIT Technology Review's The Checkup newsletter, disagrees with this assessment. "Rounds of organ transplantation surgery are not likely to help anyone radically extend their lifespan anytime soon," she said in an interview. "Aging is a complicated process that researchers still don't fully understand." Hamzelou explained that aging is a multifaceted phenomenon that involves various biological processes, including cellular senescence, epigenetic changes, and telomere shortening. While organ transplantation can replace damaged or diseased organs, it does not address the underlying causes of aging. In fact, repeated rounds of organ transplantation would likely lead to complications such as immune system suppression, increased risk of infections, and potential for cancer development. "It's a simplistic way to think about aging," Hamzelou said. "We need more nuanced approaches to understanding and addressing this complex process." Meanwhile, India is taking a different approach to tackling the challenges of aging. The country has launched a program to use robots to clean its sewer systems, which are often clogged with human waste and other debris. The robots, developed by Indian startup Team Indus, are equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems that allow them to navigate through narrow pipes and collect waste without causing damage to the infrastructure. "We're using technology to solve a problem that has been plaguing our cities for decades," said Rahul Narayan, CEO of Team Indus. The use of robots in sewer cleaning is not only more efficient but also safer than traditional methods, which often involve manual labor and can expose workers to hazardous conditions. As the world's population continues to urbanize, innovative solutions like this one will become increasingly important for maintaining public health and infrastructure. In conclusion, while Putin's claim about immortality through organ transplants may have generated headlines, experts say it is not grounded in scientific reality. Instead, researchers are focusing on developing more effective ways to address the complexities of aging, such as using robots to tackle pressing issues like sewer cleaning. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*