Robert Ettinger on cryonics and research
One of the most common criticisms of cryonics is to argue that cryonics can only be a legitimate endeavor when there is (peer reviewed) demonstration of whole body suspended animation. Advocates of cryonics point out that this is an unreasonable position because it sets a standard for rational decision making (certainty) that is rarely encountered, [...]
The science of personal survival
There are various competing strategies how to achieve meaningful life extension or rejuvenation, including , but not limited to, genetic manipulation, periodical elimination of damage, caloric restriction, molecular nanotechnology and mind uploading. A useful review of these strategies has been published in the book The Scientific Conquest of Death: Essays on Infinite Lifespans (2004) by [...]
Selection bias and dietary supplements
One problem in assessing the merits of taking a specific dietary supplement (ranging from vitamins to exotic multi-ingredient compounds) is widespread selection bias in the documentation that is supposed to support the use of the supplement in question. The sheer number of scientific studies combined with variation in research methodologies virtually guarantees that for every [...]
Albert Einstein’s brain and information-theoretic death
“People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live…[We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” Albert Einstein One sign of the lack of faith in the future progress of technology and the [...]
Incomplete assessment of experimental cytoprotectants in rodent ischemia studies
In an effort to determine why so many cytoprotective treatments for stroke that are shown to be promising in laboratory animal experiments ultimately fail in human clinical trials, DeBow et al. performed an analysis of cytoprotection studies published in several leading journals. While noting that limitations in preclinical assessments also contribute to the premature advancement [...]