Longevity Myths Debunked: Putin's Claim of Immortality Through Organ Transplants
In a recent video conference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the two leaders discussed the possibility of achieving immortality through organ transplantation. However, experts have debunked this claim, stating that such a process is not only impractical but also oversimplifies the complexities of aging.
According to reports, Putin, 72, was quoted as saying, "With the developments of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality." Xi Jinping, 73, reportedly replied, "These days at 70 years old you are still a child."
However, experts say that organ transplantation is not a viable solution for extending lifespan. Dr. Jessica Hamzelou, a biotech expert, explained in an interview, "Aging is a complex process that researchers still don't fully understand. It's not just about replacing organs; it's about understanding the underlying biology of aging."
Hamzelou pointed out that organ transplantation is a high-risk procedure with significant complications, and repeated rounds of surgery would be unlikely to significantly extend lifespan. "It's a simplistic way to think about aging," she said.
Background on the topic reveals that researchers have been exploring various approaches to understanding and addressing aging, including senolytic therapy, which aims to remove damaged cells from the body. However, these efforts are still in their infancy, and much more research is needed to fully understand the complexities of aging.
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While the idea of achieving immortality through organ transplantation may seem appealing, experts caution against getting caught up in such myths. "We need to focus on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of aging, rather than relying on simplistic solutions," Hamzelou emphasized.
As research continues to advance our understanding of aging, it's clear that there is still much work to be done. However, with a growing focus on senolytic therapy and other approaches, hope remains for finding effective ways to address this complex and multifaceted issue.
Byline: Written by [Author Name], reporting for The Download.
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*Reporting by Technologyreview.*