I have been following the world of micro-biology, nanotechnology, genetics, and anti-aging for quite some time. Recently, after being discovered a decade ago Standford researchers found some two new key proteins in regards to telemerase.

Telomers sit at each end of a chromosome, the elongated X-shaped thing that contains our DNA.  After cells divide a little chunk of the telomer disappears, aging the cells.  Old cells off-themselves so they don’t pass on harmful mutations.

Telemerase is an enzyme that repairs damaged telomeres.  Cancer cells have telemerase, and normal cells don’t (it vanishes shortly after birth) which is why cancer cells live forever.  A drug that blocks telemerase should help block cancer, or a drug that induces telemerase could extend life.

So what did Stanford scientists do?  “With gene in hand” and “many technical advances” the scientists “chopped the massive telomerase complex into tiny protein pieces,” put them through a “sensative device that detected the pieces” and found two proteins in telomerase.  They disabled one protein using “genetic trickery” in petri dish cells and found out which gene produced the protein or proteins.

The Importance of Proteins

This is a big deal. It not only means you could, in theory, tell cancerous cells to “die”, but you could essentially tell cells to stop division e.g. eternal life. As an aside and for the curious the genetadox story in Second Life  a.ka.. Primula Rasa: Chevalier versus Prototyper campaign in Second Life was partly inspired by telemerase research.

“In essence, they seek to discover clues as to “how” and “why” they have advanced to such a high stage in evolution, while so many others remain nothing more than what some would consider primitives…or animals at best. A ruling was put forth by the Council of the Galactic Consortium of Lemnus in order to end the rivalry that, based on Seldone Entropical Theory, could cause serious unrest and economic upheaval.

This task, upon completion, would determine which of the two schools of thought would be next in line to lead all advanced life of the known metaverse and access to the rare and precious Genetadox vaccine. The Consortium power structure, by law, must change hands once a millennium. These laws were enacted through the passing of the Genetic Longevity Caste Act due to the much longer life spans granted after genome mapping was completed and stem cell mining was legalized leading to the creation of Genetadox. Also, perhaps, in the process, solve one of the greatest mysteries of all time.”

Enter Molecule CGK733

Korean researchers have found a complex thiourea derivative that can extend the lifetime of mammalian cells and reverse cellular aging.

Colleagues at Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science & Technology report that CGK733 can extend the lifetime of cultured cells by approximately 20 divisions, or roughly 25%.

A cell’s aging is often called ”senescence,” a term that describes the physical and biochemical signs of a cell’s deterioration toward death. These includes signals for the cessation of cell division, release of chemicals from the cell informing others of its impending doom, and an increase in the girth of the cell.

CGK733 is the first small molecule that can reverse aspects of cell senescence. Genetic techniques have been used to do so in the past. However, CGK733 unique is that its antiaging properties are reversible: When CGK733 is removed, cells return to normal aging and death.

That is a big deal. Futurists know we are about to enter into an era the equivalent of a technological blitzkrieg. Quantum computers will usher in this change. Who gets the antidote? Who gets the innoculation? That is part of the story that Primula Rasa was exploring- science versus the mystics and of course, those that choose neither side.

Molecules Versus Genetics

Cellular senescence researcher Judith Campisi of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory says CGK733 will be a good lab tool for biologists. “CGK733 is an example of what many scientists hope will be a trend: the identification of small molecules to mimic more cumbersome genetic interventions to regulate cellular behavior.”

Eternal life may be right around the corner. But I have a feeling the war fought to obtain it will kill alot more than it will save. The best bet is to find the cure, encode it into popular music and art and hope humankind evolves a bit more.

anti aging CGK733 future science genetics molecules nanotechnology proteins research Science telemerase

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To spare you a lengthy background story check out TheGridLive.com for photos, and some additional clues. (Yes Stone…you are on the right track.) The story line below is the first arc, or perhaps a prologue. More to come as we prepare the official Primula Rasa blog.

To quote TheGridLive.com on the Primula Rasa Second Life build…

What happens when a well known, experienced and multi-talented Second Life avatar squares off against a well known real-world security and e-commerce guru whose connections go all the way to film? Something is brewing in SpellCaster next to Primula Rasa, first mentioned here. “Tensions mount as Federated Funds are cutoff. Techno Wizards, Spell Casters, and Magicians collide, cast and spread their fiery magic, armed with the arcane tools, runes, relics and stones thought long forgotten.” Are you ready to choose sides?

If only I was as formidable as Timeless Prototype…This is not quite a virtual war, think of this simulation more as two schools of thought locked in contest. Currently the sims (islands) are not complete, but moving steadily, however feel free to tour around the beta status (or if you have any input, grand ideas and are skilled at execution- let us know- via notecard- IMs in world are obviously to many to manage.). More answers are to come…for now here is the introduction.

Message to Recipients

You have been selected, if you so choose, to participate, as much as you wish, in an epic experiment and you will be asked to make a selection…choosing either the side of science (Prototypers- lead by Timeless Prototype or the Chevalians- lead by Corwin Chevalier)- these are actual avatars who also serve as character archetypes. The experience is ongoing and will span four sims or more during an unknown length of time.
The project is is still under beta build status now. At this point you need take no action, but if you choose just let either individual General or their aids of your interest. This is a primarily non-violent simulation, in real-time, using symbols, song, art and immersion to model different ways educators and businesses can utilize 3D worlds. Goals are to study system dynamics, micro-transactions and other aspects of 3D media immersion.

Back Story Credits: Corwin Chevalier, Vladimir Petrichor

The Prototypers and the Chevaliens have traveled to this world (Delphic) to study the evolution of knowledge as it occurs in “less advanced” people capable of developing “functional” intelligence, in an effort to further their own understanding of how the “great civilizations” of the universe came to be.

In essence, they seek to discover clues as to “how” and “why” they have advanced to such a high stage in evolution, while so many others remain nothing more than what some would consider primitives…or animals at best. A ruling was put forth by the Council of the Galactic Consortium of Lemnus in order to end the rivalry that, based on Seldone Entropical Theory, could cause serious unrest and economic upheaval.

This task, upon completion, would determine which of the two schools of thought would be next in line to lead all advanced life of the known metaverse and access to the rare and precious Genetadox vaccine. The Consortium power structure, by law, must change hands once a millennium. These laws were enacted through the passing of the Genetic Longevity Caste Act due to the much longer life spans granted after genome mapping was completed and stem cell mining was legalized leading to the creation of Genetadox. Also, perhaps, in the process, solve one of the greatest mysteries of all time.

(Pragulus Rex, the prolific philosopher, interjects that as human, we must often wonder and debate as to how we have developed our self proclaimed intellectual superiority over that of other life forms. It might be reasonable to believe that species more advanced than our own, e.g. intellectually, would be even further removed from this knowledge as it pertains to their own species.)

As the two competing power houses via for control of the next 100 years, the Chevaliens and Prototypers are well known for their sometimes greatly opposing viewpoints as to what the true determining aspects of knowledge may be. Not to mention the winning party would gain access to the rare Genetadox vaccine granting that group an abnormally long life span.

Well known for their unsurpassed technological advancements, the Prototypers, archetypal scientists, eagerly hypothesize that it is the advancement of logic and scientific deduction that comprise the true semblance of knowledge. Long have they held to the theory of the Great Algorithm of the Universe, and believe that this research will bring them leaps and bounds closer to writing the final proofs needed to explain it all.

The Chevaliens are believers and crusaders…in every essence of the word. Their faith and mystical approach to the universe has led them to uncover secrets that cannot be imagined or understood by outsiders. It is supposedly drawn from the lore of Earth’s ancient Sumer and a deity named Tiamiat. Tiamiat is a dragon and one of their primary power symbols. In their eyes the mind is more than a collection of neurons and cranial fluid capable of incredible calculation, but perhaps the vessel for things less tangible and supernatural. They believe that while science is worthy a chivalric “moral code” and spreading of this code is more important above all else. Not even one’s death should stop its replication and some say that the code can be modified to ensure it can survive.

For both, a singularity exists. Every answer often uncovers twice as many questions…whether the means to such answers are those of science or mysticism.

And so, the two parties sought out a primitive place of proper potential- Project Primula Rasa in the far flung Delphic System. Working hand in hand with one another, yet competing all the same…as they via to be the one party who could discover the answers to the origins of knowledge would gain control over the consortium and therefore the funding and political power of the entire metaverse as a whole and longevity.
Small, pink and vaguely simian were their candidates- or so believed. Simple tool users- still living in caves, or huts, spear fishing, and having just discovered the basic secrets of fire…a perfect specimen with which to begin their study over the evolution of knowledge. Yet life on Primula Rasa wasn’t quite that simple…

Pragulus Rex

Additional notations of Pragulus Rex postulate the theory that as thinking beings evolve from their base and primitive state, they first past through a period of “knowledge through faith”. During this stage of intellectual evolution a species will invariably determine the things that are “known” through intense belief in facets of reality that cannot be directly proven.

To some this may seem a simple example of primitive ignorance, however, during this stage a species will also be much more capable of attuning to the less explainable and tangible aspects of existence.

As the species progresses, it is likely, though not absolute, that they will develop a greater logical understanding of the world around them. Such logical understanding often leads to a drastic waning of belief in things that cannot be proven in a logical manner. Logic coincides with a sense of skepticism that in turn generates doubt toward aspects of reality not displayed physically as “fact”. Such skepticism, while useful in many ways and often the driving force behind many scientific discoveries, will usually lead to a deterioration of “faith” both among individuals and the populace at large.

Some would argue that such deteriorating senses of belief in things that cannot be proven can eventually lead to stagnation and corruption of that which may or may not exist as a “soul”.

It is at this point in the evolution of knowledge within a given species of thinking beings, that a crossroad is reached. While rarely an “active” decision, the path will then be set for it to continue its evolution through a means of logic in things that can be proven, or belief in that which cannot.

Few, if any, beings show a capacity to balance the two…as is evidence by the aeon’s of competition between the superlative masters of the respective thought processes. Were a group of beings truly capable of mastering and balancing both forms of knowledge, it is quite possible that their intellect and achievements would dwarf that of all other known species.

The Third Group

“…a possible mastery of balance between the superlative disciplines of knowledge could lead to a complete understanding of the universe as a whole.”
Pragalus Rex circa 227189

The above quote perhaps illustrates the defining concept of those oft shunned members of the Primula Rasa project, though it may have had nothing to do with their development.

Though we will refer to these individuals hereafter as a “group”, this is a reference only in the slightest sense of the word. Not possessed of an organized structure in themselves, they hold a distinct commonality in the fact they are detached from their origins among the ranks of the Prototypers and Chevaliens. This is not the result of any criminal punishment in any classic sense, but simply a separation from their organizations due to a lack of conviction toward the systems in which they were initially raised.

(*To human understanding, this may seem similar to the concept of losing one’s religion as would an Amish follower who has made the choice to follow the ways of the “english”. Though, this may not make sense in areas that have no Amish population.*)

The Prototypers and Chevaliens, being the generally accepted masters of their respective paths in the pursuit of all knowledge, began the Primula Rasa project with the intention of discovering clues that would lead them to a more complete understanding of the universe. This undertaking occurred in a somewhat competitive manner, as each group hoped to demonstrate that their own path to understanding was superior to that of the other. However, being greatly advanced beings in every sense of the idea, this competition was quite genial and research proceeded in a fashion that would be seriously understated with a label of “gentlemanly”. The two groups worked hand in hand during the Primula Rasa project, sharing discoveries and comparing theories in a fashion much like Bohr and Einstein….

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Rather then keeping this my “own” journal, I have invited a few close colleagues of various intellectual pursuits  and disciplines to participate in flexing their blogging muscles here. Hopefully they will outgrow it (or hopefully they won’t) but my goal is to get them started to make their own contributions to the blogosphere.

After much prodding I finally have “Mystery Dave” (Code Name: Khelock) starting with an entry. Dave’s interests are incredibly far reaching and diverse, but one of his favorite topics is anti-aging and longevity as well as convergence and the impending energy crisis.

Since anti-aging is a bit esoteric for most- here is a brief primer from Wikipedia

Excerpt Here:

Life extension refers to an increase in maximum or average lifespan, especially in humans, by slowing down or reversing the processes of aging. Average lifespan is determined by vulnerability to accidents and age-related afflictions such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. Extension of average lifespan can be achieved by good diet, exercise and avoidance of hazards such as smoking and excessive eating of sugar-containing foods. Maximum lifespan is determined by the rate of aging for a species inherent in its genetic code. Currently, the only widely recognized method of extending maximum lifespan is by calorie restriction with adequate nutrient supplementation. Theoretically, extension of maximum lifespan can be achieved by reducing the rate of aging damage, by periodic replacement of damaged tissues, or by molecular repair or (rejuvenation) of deteriorated cells and tissues.

…Welcome Mystery Dave!

Life Extension

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