Biological immortality is the absence of mortality growth in a certain biological species over time starting from a certain age (in other words, a situation when the probability of death per unit of time does not increase with age, that is, organisms of this species do not die of old age).
However, no creature is absolutely immortal, since it can be killed by external factors, be it mechanical damage to vital organs, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, ultraviolet radiation, high temperature.
According to Tatyana Chernigovskaya, Director of the Institute of Cognitive Research at St. Petersburg State University, biological immortality is impossible, since it is “prohibited by nature itself”.
At the same time, some species demonstrate regeneration mechanisms that allow them to avoid aging. For example, the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii, when environmental conditions worsen or the individual is damaged, does not die, but transforms back into a polyp, from which an adult jellyfish then grows again. Also, many sponges, such as Monorhaphis chuni, live for thousands of years, their cells practically do not age, and regeneration processes allow them to restore damaged parts of the body.
Why do most organisms age?
Aging is a complex biological process that involves the accumulation of DNA damage, shortening of telomeres, increased oxidative stress, and decreased efficiency of cellular renewal. There are several theories of aging:
- Mutation accumulation hypothesis: Over time, mutations accumulate in cells, leading to deterioration of their functions.
- Free radical theory of aging: Aging is associated with the effects of molecules that cause oxidative stress and cell damage.
- Programmed aging: Some organisms have genetically embedded mechanisms that limit their lifespan.
In the course of evolution, it turned out to be more profitable to invest resources in reproduction, rather than in endless maintenance of the body. Organisms that reproduce faster pass on their genes to their offspring, and the immortality of individuals is not always beneficial to the population as a whole. This is why aging has become an established evolutionary mechanism.
What can scientists learn from this?
The study of organisms capable of regeneration and potential immortality could lead to breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology. Possible areas of research include: - Development of methods for tissue and organ regeneration in humans.
- Study of telomerase and its effect on slowing down aging.
- Finding ways to combat age-related diseases.
- Gene therapy to increase lifespan.
Research is already underway to study the mechanisms of immortality discovered in these organisms. For example, scientists are studying the genome of Turritopsis dohrnii to identify key genes associated with cell rejuvenation, and research into telomerase in lobsters could help develop methods for extending human life. These processes not only help us understand the fundamental principles of aging, but also open up prospects for the development of medical technologies aimed at prolonging life and improving its quality. Perhaps nature has already found the key to longevity, and now the task of science is to decipher this secret.
Some 10-15 years ago, scientists modeled what conditionally immortal life would look like.
They came to the conclusion that populations that are not subject to aging and natural death would not have time to adapt to environmental changes, not to mention competition with other organisms. And they would inevitably die out.
That is, death is not a bug, but a feature.
Death is also a feature in that DNA is updated. Although in some cases, populations freeze at the level of prehistoric development and do not change because there is no need. Like bristle beetles or coelacanths.
how to become immortal
how to gain immortality
how to become forever young
how to become biologically immortal
how to stop aging
is it possible to become immortal
i want to become immortal