X-Message-Number: 20349
From: 
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 01:34:20 EDT
Subject: Readers Digest (sneaks in a) Slam Dunk

CryoNet:

The November edition of "Readers Digest" is worth picking up this month.  
Starting on page 100 is an article titled:  "Our Bodies, Our Souls." The 
caption heading reads:  "Behind lab doors, scientists are working to end 
aging, disease, and pain.  But are we changing what it means to be human?"

That last sentence was likely added by an editor wishing to avoid a few nasty 
letters and a few canceled subscriptions here and there.  But the article is 
clearly pro-progress, hands down. It forecasts several near-certain upcoming 
advances including treatments for the paralyzed with brain-implanted computer 
chips (and cites the experimentation), and the regrowth of damaged tissues 
and organs (including new adult teeth as well as the permanent elimination of 
cavities via vaccine which will be available in the next few years, and is 
anticipated to be virtually 100% effective). Increased life-span partially 
via replacement organs is discussed.  But there's more...

More interesting is the associated article that (strategically) follows that 
one discussing head transplant experiments with monkeys performed by Dr. 
Robert White starting in 1970.  In case any one may be unaware, he did it 
numerous times while never attempting to reconnect spinal cords.  However, 
remember the preceding article... What is interesting (and maybe a little 
crafty) was the obvious jump the reader is compelled to make -- even if not 
all together consciously.  Tissue regeneration had just been discussed via 
the insertion of appropriate genes in existing somatic tissue cells of 
selected organs (via hypodermic injection of harmless viruses to act as 
vectors for the actual handpicked DNA coding) for the manufacturing of 
appropriate signaling proteins to promote growth.  The specific example cited 
was blood vessel regrowth in existing and new heart tissue, while nerves (and 
the by-passing of nerves) had previously been discussed.  Chilling of organs 
had been discussed, and also whole body transplants were cited as being 
possible in the future.  Without the mention of the word, cryonics is 
forwarded in the collective human mind as a natural bridge to this future for 
those living today. As for politics, the Catholic Church is cited as weighing 
in not unfavorably at all.  This might be a good edition to pick up.  You'll 
like it.

There's been some excellent news in the cryonics world this year including 
the funding success for James Swayze, and the prospects for increased 
cooperation among the organizations for a potentially powerful mutual synergy 
is inspiring. 

Good to see it !

Regards,

DC Johnson, Raleigh, NC

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